Microsoft has issued a timely reminder regarding the impending end of support for Windows 10 LTSC 2021, urging enterprises to strategize accordingly. While the free support for most editions of Windows 10 concluded last year, Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 continues to receive updates, with its support set to expire on January 12, 2027. This will coincide with the release of a final security update.
To maintain security updates beyond this date, organizations can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. However, the financial implications are significant: Year 1 will cost per device, with prices doubling in each subsequent year until the program concludes on January 8, 2030. Notably, ESU sales will commence on September 1, 2026, and licenses are cumulative; thus, an organization joining in Year 2 must also cover the costs from Year 1.
It is important to note that the ESU program does not extend to Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC, which enjoys support until January 13, 2032. Organizations utilizing Microsoft’s cloud-based update services, such as Intune or Autopatch, can benefit from a 25 percent discount, reducing the Year 1 price to per device. Conversely, those opting for Volume Licensing or a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider will incur the full price.
Windows 10 has become somewhat of a resilient presence in the IT landscape over the past year. Despite the cessation of free support for numerous versions in 2025, it still commands nearly 30 percent of the market share, as reported by Statcounter.
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According to a July report from asset tracking service Lansweeper, 16.9 percent of the devices monitored were still operating on Windows 10, with migration efforts appearing to stall. Those capable of transitioning to Windows 11 have largely made the switch, while others remain tethered to the older operating system.
Several factors contribute to this reluctance. Certain specialized applications and hardware configurations, particularly in sectors like healthcare, are incompatible with Windows 11. Additionally, the stringent hardware requirements of Windows 11 have rendered many otherwise capable devices obsolete. Although Microsoft has announced plans to optimize the code for systems equipped with 8 GB of RAM, this adjustment does not address the limitations imposed by processor and TPM compatibility rules.
For organizations that opted for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021, the additional years of updates without incurring ESU costs have provided a temporary reprieve. However, this grace period will conclude on January 12, 2027, prompting a need for proactive planning.
