Windows 10 users are facing a significant deadline on the horizon — January 15, 2025. As the most widely used desktop operating system globally, millions of PCs are already bracing for the eventual cutoff of support on October 14, 2025. Those who choose not to transition to Windows 11 or opt for a monthly subscription with Microsoft will find themselves without essential security patches, bug fixes, and new features, leaving their devices susceptible to cyber threats.
Implications for Microsoft Teams Users
For the 240 million PCs that cannot upgrade to Windows 11 at no cost, the end of support for Windows 10 could result in a grim fate — potentially relegating these machines to the landfill. Compounding this issue is a new deadline: starting January 15, older versions of Windows 10 will be barred from accessing Microsoft Teams, a vital communication platform for both businesses and individuals.
Owners of laptops, two-in-one tablets, or desktop PCs running unsupported versions of Windows will begin receiving in-app notifications from Microsoft, urging them to upgrade their devices. Beginning October 15, Microsoft Teams will display a banner prompting users to update from an unsupported operating system.
Microsoft clarifies the necessity of this transition: “The Teams desktop client needs to be under a supported OS version. This is to ensure that users have the latest updates, capabilities, performance enhancements, security features, and service compatibility. A version that is too far out of date will become incompatible with the service, and the Desktop client will be blocked until the OS is updated.” This restriction will affect anyone operating Windows 10 versions older than 21H2, which began rolling out globally on November 16, 2021. Additionally, similar cut-offs will impact various operating systems, including macOS 11 on November 15 and macOS 12 on March 15, 2025.
As Microsoft prepares to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, it is introducing a new option for users: Extended Security Updates (ESU). For the first time, Microsoft is offering anyone the opportunity to continue receiving critical security patches for an additional three years, albeit at a cost. Previously reserved for businesses, this subscription extends the lifecycle of Windows 10 until the end of 2028.
The pricing for Windows 10 ESU for enterprise users has been disclosed, with the first year costing (£48.19). To encourage users to upgrade to the latest operating system, Microsoft will double the cost each subsequent year. The pricing structure is as follows:
- Windows 10 ESU — (£48.19) for the first year
- Windows 10 ESU — 2 (£96.39) for the second year
- Windows 10 ESU — 4 (£192.78) for the third and final year
This pricing model is not aimed at consumers, with Microsoft indicating that details for average Windows 10 users will be shared later. However, it is anticipated that a similar pricing structure will apply, with costs increasing annually to incentivize users to transition to Windows 11.
Currently, Windows 10 is utilized by approximately twice as many users as its successor, Windows 11. As the deadline approaches, millions may face the prospect of losing access to crucial security updates, being compelled to invest in the ESU subscription, or needing to upgrade to a new operating system in the coming months.
