Microsoft has shared its pricing and activation options for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates, relevant information for organizations and other users wanting to stay on the operating system beyond its end of support (EOS) date, which has been set for next year ahead of Halloween. Windows 10 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025, Microsoft has confirmed.
Extended Security Updates options include:
- Traditional 5-by-5 activation key method ($61 USD per device for Year 1)
- “With the 5-by-5 activation method, you’ll download an activation key and apply it to individual Windows 10 devices that you’ve selected for your ESU program.”
- “Manage it via scripting or the Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT), among other methods.”
- “You can use on-premises management tools such as Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) with Configuration Manager to download and apply the updates to your Windows 10 devices.”
- Cloud-based activation method ($45 USD per user (up to five devices) for Year 1)
- “You can receive a ~25% discount on ESU licensing. Save time and money, as well as simplify activation!”
- “Simply assign an ESU cloud activation license to enable Windows 10 devices to receive Year One ESU updates (no 5-by-5 key is necessary).”
- “You can manage and monitor the complete update process as usual in Microsoft Intune or utilize Windows Autopatch to fully automate the update process for you.”
- Activation included with Windows 365 subscription
- “Windows 10 devices accessing Windows 11 Cloud PCs through Windows 365 will automatically be activated to receive security updates without any additional steps.”
- “This license is included in the Windows 365 subscription at no additional cost with a one-year commitment.”
Microsoft on what EOS means:
When Windows 10 reaches end of support, Microsoft will no longer provide bug fixes for issues, security fixes for vulnerabilities, time zone updates, or technical support for problems that might occur.
Microsoft on why users may want to upgrade to Windows 11:
Organizations that run legacy software are at a higher risk of security breaches and potential compliance violations. While Windows 10 PCs will continue to function after they reach end of support, they will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, feature improvements, or security issue resolutions. Upgrading to Windows 11 or transitioning to a new Windows 11 PC will help you deliver the best, most secure computing experience to your employees—and help protect your organization.