Windows 10 has been the foundation of daily work in thousands of companies and households for many years. Microsoft will officially end support for the system on 14 October 2025, which means no more free security updates. However, this is not the end yet. Microsoft introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which provides additional security patches for a limited time. In practice, it keeps Windows 10 secure for a little longer, although not for everyone and not always for free.
Who Can Use Extended Security Updates (ESU)
Microsoft has divided users into two main groups.
1. Home users (Home and Pro not joined to a domain)
Home devices can receive one extra year of security updates, until October 2026.
To qualify for ESU for free, the device must:
- run Windows 10 version 22H2,
- be signed in with a Microsoft Account,
- have settings sync enabled.
When these conditions are met, the update is free. Alternatively, users can redeem 1000 Microsoft Rewards points or pay a one-time fee of around 30 USD.
This is a practical option for people who are not ready to upgrade to Windows 11 but still want to use Windows 10 safely at home.
2. Businesses, schools and organisations
The situation is different for companies and institutions. ESU is a paid annual subscription, available for up to three years.
The cost starts at around 61 USD per device for the first year and increases each year after. Devices running in the cloud, such as Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop, receive ESU at no extra cost.
The goal of ESU is to provide time for a controlled migration, not to extend Windows 10 indefinitely.
What ESU Provides and What It Does Not
It is important to be clear about what ESU includes.
ESU does not add new features, does not improve performance and does not fix non-security bugs. It only delivers security patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities.
ESU is a temporary measure designed to bridge the gap until a full migration to Windows 11 is possible.
Office, Microsoft 365 and Other Applications on Windows 10 After 2025
Once Microsoft ends support for Windows 10, the system will continue to work, but applications may not behave the same way over time. Understanding what happens next is important for both home and business users.
Microsoft 365 and Office
Microsoft 365 apps such as Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams will continue to run, but Microsoft will no longer test them on Windows 10.
This leads to several practical consequences:
- new features may or may not work correctly,
- bugs that appear only on Windows 10 will not be fixed,
- security issues related to Windows 10 will not be patched, even if they affect Office,
- over time, apps may become slower or unstable.
For companies, this increases the risk of issues with email delivery, macros, integrations, Teams meetings or OneDrive synchronisation.
Other applications and real consequences
Support ending for Windows 10 affects third-party software as well. Many vendors already confirm that they will:
- stop testing their applications on Windows 10,
- require Windows 11 for new versions,
- gradually drop support for integrations such as VPN clients, antivirus tools, printer drivers, accounting software, CAD or ERP systems,
- block or limit installation of updates on Windows 10.
This means that every month after October 2025, the likelihood increases that something which works today may suddenly stop working, with no fix available.
Updates will stop installing properly
After support ends:
- Windows Update will no longer deliver new patches,
- applications may require system libraries that Windows 10 will never receive,
- some software, especially antivirus tools, VPN software, online banking apps or remote access tools, will refuse to install or update.
This is not only about missing new features. Over time, outdated certificates, unpatched vulnerabilities and incompatible standards will create stability and security risks.
When ESU Makes Sense
ESU is useful only in specific situations:
- you rely on legacy applications or hardware not yet compatible with Windows 11,
- your organisation needs more time to replace older devices,
- the IT department is preparing for a larger infrastructure upgrade.
In every other case, delaying the move to Windows 11 is not recommended. Migrating earlier is safer, more stable and more cost-effective long term.
Windows 10 will not disappear overnight, but now is the right time to prepare.
ESU buys time, but does not replace a modern operating system.
The recommended direction is a planned migration to Windows 11, and we can assist with that process.
How BOIT Can Help With the Migration
Migrating from Windows 10 after 2025 does not have to be expensive or disruptive.
We prepare a complete, secure and realistic migration plan tailored to each organisation, regardless of whether you use new hardware, refurbished devices or want to maximise the value of your current fleet.
1. Full hardware assessment
We begin by analysing the entire set of devices in the organisation.
We verify the processor, TPM, BIOS version, drivers and overall compatibility with Windows 11.
We identify which devices can be upgraded safely and which should be replaced now or in the near future.
This gives the client a clear and practical overview of:
- devices ready for migration,
- devices suitable for upgrades,
- devices recommended for replacement,
- devices that require temporary ESU protection.
2. Migration without buying new hardware
Many existing computers can continue to operate reliably. We check whether a device can be used longer after actions such as updating the BIOS, enabling TPM 2.0, increasing RAM, replacing the drive with a faster SSD or preparing a Windows 11 image optimised for the specific hardware.
In many cases, these steps can extend the life of the equipment by another two or three years.
3. Refurbished hardware as a cost-effective option
Some business laptops, such as ThinkPad, EliteBook or Latitude models, do not meet Windows 11 requirements on paper but work perfectly with Windows 11 after BIOS and TPM updates.
We have access to proven, business-grade refurbished units that are fully compatible with Windows 11, significantly cheaper than new models and already tested for company use.
If needed, we can configure them for MDM before delivery, so they are ready to deploy immediately.
This is an excellent option for organisations that want to reduce costs without sacrificing stability or security.
4. New hardware at competitive prices
Our partnerships with distributors and manufacturers allow us to offer new devices at prices better than standard retail, including models with Windows 11 preinstalled.
We prepare configurations for various environments, including office work, graphic design, CAD, accounting or production.
We can also prepare complete, ready-to-deploy setups that integrate directly into your infrastructure, including company policies, required applications and security profiles.
5. Leasing and financing options
For companies that do not want to commit capital upfront, we can arrange convenient financing.
This includes operational and financial leasing, equipment rentals with service included and Hardware as a Service, where a fixed monthly fee covers both the device and IT support.
This approach makes the transition to Windows 11 budget-friendly and predictable.
Final Note
If your organisation still operates on Windows 10, we can help secure these devices and plan the migration step by step.
A structured and well-managed transition ensures that your systems remain safe, compliant and fully operational after support ends.
