Windows 10 ESU vs Windows 11 Pro licensing: What to Do After Support Ended
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Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. Devices that remain on Windows 10 no longer receive free security patches or improvements. Nearly a year later, that gap has only widened — and for organizations relying on Year 1 ESU, coverage under that license runs out on October 13, 2026, just weeks from now.
Businesses now face two decisions:
- Renew into Windows 10 ESU Year 2 for continued temporary protection.
- Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for long-term security and performance.
What is Windows 10 ESU?
Windows 10 Extended Security Updates are paid yearly licenses that provide security updates for devices that stay on Windows 10 after support ended. ESU is designed for organizations that need additional time to complete hardware refreshes or application testing before a full upgrade. This was never meant to be a permanent fix, and the clock on Year 1 is nearly up.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Availability | Available since October 14, 2025 |
Duration | Up to 3 years (until October 2028) |
Updates Included | Critical and important security updates only |
Updates Excluded | No feature or quality updates |
License Model | Annual per-device subscription |
Purchase Method | Through Microsoft Cloud Solution Providers (CSPs) |
Ideal For | Businesses that need more time before upgrading |
ESU year 1, year 2, and year 3 license types
Microsoft releases ESU licenses in three yearly tiers. Each year must be purchased separately, and a device must hold all previous years to activate the next one.
Windows 10 ESU Year 1 (2025 to 2026) – $61.00 USD
Coverage runs through October 13, 2026. Required for any device that wants to be in the ESU program at all, and a prerequisite for Year 2. If your devices aren’t already covered, this is the last window to get them onto Year 1 before it closes.
Windows 10 ESU Year 2 (2026 to 2027) – $122.00 USD
Coverage begins October 14, 2026 and runs through October 13, 2027. Requires an active Year 1 license. If you plan to stay on Windows 10 past this October, Year 2 needs to be in place before the Year 1 window ends to avoid a coverage gap.
Windows 10 ESU Year 3 (2027 to 2028) – $244.00
Final year of support, through October 12, 2028. Requires Year 1 and Year 2 licenses.
This tiered pricing model is designed to push organizations toward completing migration before the final, most expensive year of ESU. With Year 1 about to close, now is the point where most businesses either lock in Year 2 or commit to a Windows 11 Pro migration timeline.
Important: ESU is a temporary bridge, not a long-term solution. Once the three-year ESU period ends in October 2028, no further updates will be available for Windows 10 under this program.
What is Windows 11 Pro Licensing?
Windows 11 Pro is Microsoft’s latest professional operating system, built for performance, modern security, and hybrid work environments.
It includes the latest productivity tools and receives ongoing updates and support through the 2030s.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Support Status | Fully supported by Microsoft |
Security Features | TPM 2.0, Windows Hello, BitLocker, Smart App Control |
Updates | Ongoing feature and security updates |
Licensing Options | OEM, volume, or Microsoft 365 Business subscriptions |
Hardware Requirements | Modern CPUs, TPM 2.0, and secure boot |
Best For | Organizations ready for a full migration and modernization |
Windows 11 Pro helps companies future-proof their IT environment with built-in protection and better performance across devices.
$49.00Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Windows 10 ESU vs Windows 11 Pro: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Windows 10 ESU | Windows 11 Pro |
|---|---|---|
Support Status | Fully supported by Microsoft | Full support |
Security Updates | Critical and important only | Continuous feature and security updates |
Feature Updates | Not included | Regularly Released |
End of Life | October 2028 | Beyond 2031 |
Cost Model | Annual per-device fee | One-time or subscription license |
Hardware Compatibility | Works on legacy devices | Requires modern hardware |
Management Tools | Traditional deployment | Modern management via Intune and Autopilot |
Best Suited For | Short-term protection | Long-term modernization |
Which Option is Better for your Business?
Choose Windows 10 ESU if:
- You need continued coverage past October 13, 2026, and already hold a Year 1 license
- Your hardware is not yet compatible with Windows 11
- You need time to test internal applications before migrating
Choose Windows 11 Pro if:
- Your devices meet the Windows 11 requirements
- You want continued support, new features, and better performance
- You are adopting a modern workplace strategy with Microsoft 365
Next steps for IT teams
Windows 10 has now been out of support for nearly a year, and Year 1 ESU coverage closes in a matter of weeks. Acting now avoids both a security gap and last-minute scrambling.
Recommended actions:
- Confirm which Windows 10 devices currently hold Year 1 ESU coverage and which don’t
- For devices staying on Windows 10, purchase Year 2 ESU before October 13, 2026 to avoid a coverage lapse
- Evaluate hardware compatibility for Windows 11
- Decide between ESU or full upgrade based on your realistic migration timeline
- Partner with a Microsoft CSP to manage licensing and deployment
- Use Intune or Windows Autopilot for efficient device rollout
Why Buy your Licenses Through 365 Cloud Store
You can purchase Windows 10 ESU and Windows 11 Pro licenses through 365 Cloud Store to pay less and get better support.
When you buy from 365 Cloud Store, you get:
- Bigger savings compared to Microsoft direct or other CSPs
- Dedicated account manager for personalized support
- Critical admin SLAs for faster license activation and issue resolution
- Expert guidance for Windows 10 ESU renewals and Windows 11 migrations
Buying through 365 Cloud Store helps your organization save money and maintain smooth operations while ensuring compliance and security.
Visit our store to compare licensing options and start saving today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use Windows 10 today?
Yes, but without ESU your system no longer receives security updates. Windows 10 support ended nearly a year ago, on October 14, 2025, and running it without ESU exposes your organization to ongoing cybersecurity risk.
What happens if I don’t buy Windows 10 ESU?
Devices will remain unsupported and vulnerable. Over time, compatibility issues with new applications and services may also appear.
How much does Windows 10 ESU cost?
$61 per device for Year 1 (Oct 2025–Oct 2026), $122 for Year 2 (Oct 2026–Oct 2027), and $244 for Year 3 (Oct 2027–Oct 2028). Each year must be purchased in sequence — you can’t buy Year 2 without already holding Year 1. Year 1 coverage closes October 13, 2026.
Is Windows 11 Pro a free upgrade?
Not always. Some licenses include a free upgrade, such as Microsoft 365 Business Premium, while others require purchasing a new license or device.
Can I use Windows 10 ESU and Windows 11 Pro together?
Yes. Many organizations run both during a phased migration period to ensure business continuity while upgrading hardware.
When does Windows 11 Pro support end?
Microsoft hasn’t announced an end date, but based on current support cycles, Windows 11 Pro is expected to be supported well beyond 2031.
Do I need new hardware for Windows 11 Pro?
Yes, most devices need TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and compatible processors. Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to confirm compatibility.
Originally written by Enrique Cortinas · Social Media Manager
Updated by Iovalli Acevedo Marketing Manager
October 1, 2026
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