December 5, 2023 at 01:13PM
Microsoft will offer three additional years of security updates for Windows 10 via its ESU program post-October 14, 2025 EOS date. This includes Windows 10 22H2, the final release, and it specifically supports LTSC releases beyond EOS. IT administrators are advised to upgrade to Windows 11 or use Windows 365 for continued updates. Windows 10 ESU will also be available for home users, with pricing details to be announced.
**Meeting Takeaways:**
1. Post-End of Support for Windows 10:
– Windows 10 will reach its end of support (EOS) on October 14, 2025.
– After the EOS date, there will be no new technical assistance, bug fixes, or updates provided by Microsoft for Windows 10.
– Customers can buy three extra years of security updates through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program after EOS.
2. Windows 10 22H2 Version:
– The upcoming Windows 10 22H2 version will be the last release for Windows 10.
– All editions of this version will still get monthly security updates until the EOS date.
3. Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC):
– LTSC releases for specialized devices will continue to receive updates past October 2025, following their individual lifecycle timelines.
– Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 has an Extended End Date of January 9, 2029.
– Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 has a Mainstream End Date of January 12, 2027, with the IoT Enterprise edition receiving extended support.
4. Recommendations for IT Administrators:
– Microsoft suggests that IT administrators upgrade eligible Windows 10 systems to Windows 11.
– Alternatively, they can migrate to Windows 365 for Windows 10 devices to continue receiving updates.
5. Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop:
– ESU will be available for Windows 10 devices linked to Windows 11 Cloud PCs on Windows 365 at no extra cost.
– ESU will also be offered for free for Windows 10 instances within Azure Virtual Desktop environments, aside from consumption costs.
6. ESU Program for Home Users:
– For the first time, home users will have the option to subscribe to the ESU program for Windows 10.
– Microsoft has not yet released the pricing details for the ESU program for home users, with more information to come.
7. Additional Remarks:
– Microsoft strongly recommends upgrading to Windows 11 but acknowledges that not all users or devices may be able to do so before the Windows 10 EOS.
– The Windows 10 ESU program will cover critical and/or important security updates, but it will not include new features or non-security customer requests.
– Further updates on the ESU program, including details for individual consumers, will be announced approaching the availability date.
**Action Items:**
– IT administrators should evaluate upgrading systems to Windows 11 or migrate to Windows 365.
– Home users who can’t upgrade should look out for more information on Windows 10 ESU subscriptions as Microsoft releases it.
– Stay updated on further announcements from Microsoft regarding the ESU program pricing and details.