Windows 10 upgrade options – Extended Security Updates (ESU)
This is a short series on the various options you have to deal with Windows 10 end of Support.
Assuming your device cannot get a free upgrade to Windows 11 as it doesn’t meet the minimum requirements, one of the options to maintain Security updates for Windows 10 is the ESU programme. This is available via you Microsoft Volume license distributor and will provide Security updates for a maximum of 3 years after 14th October 2025
Why you may want to?
Honestly, this option is only attractive if your customer just does not have the budget to replace hardware “right now” as it gives a small breathing space, and I would suggest for not longer than 1 year.
Why you may not want to – the longer list
Cost is USD $61 in year 1, double that in year 2 and double that in year 3 – at current rates, that is nearly NZD $750 for 3 years per device
Cost is cumulative from end of support – so if you “risk it for a biscuit” in year 1 and want purchase in year 2 you have to pay for both year 1 and 2.
You need to be on Windows 10 22H2
It does not provide Technical support, Feature updates or new features, Quality updates (including security and reliability fixes).
This little gem is quite important and has an additional financial impact – “General support won’t be provided for Windows versions past the end of support date. The Windows 10 ESU only includes support for the license activation, installation, and possible regressions of the ESU itself. To get technical support for these issues related to the ESU, organisations must have an active support plan in place.”
If this sounds a little unappealing and your customer does suddenly decide they have the budget to replace old devices, come and talk to us. Acer has a range of Desktop PCs ranging from 1-litre tiny to full Tower desktops and workstations, and TravelMate business laptops from budget to thin and light copilot + devices. Best of all, provided parts are available, their Sydney factory can currently turn around a personalised, configure-to-order device in 2-3 weeks. However, if demand suddenly ramps up once 14th October hits, you can expect that to take longer, so act now!
