Windows 10, ESU support extended to a new version

Microsoft has officially announced the expansion of the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to include specific versions of Windows 10 that were previously excluded, with a particular focus on long-term releases.

Since April 1st, organizations using Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB can access an extended support period to ensure the security of legacy systems that cannot move to newer platforms immediately. The standard support for this specific version will officially end on October 13, 2026, making ESU updates a necessary bridge for critical infrastructures still anchored to the old ecosystem.

Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB: ESU Program Details

The cost fixed for the first year of extended support is $61 per individual device. However, Redmond applies targeted discounts to encourage the adoption of its modern management tools: companies managing their machines through Microsoft Intune or Windows Autopatch will see the rate drop to $45 per device. The flexibility of purchasing is guaranteed by the availability of packages either through Volume Licensing or the Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program, adapting to different business sizes and license management methods.

The plan stipulates that the cost of updates doubles every twelve months, a dynamic that makes staying on Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB extremely costly in the medium term. It's not just a linear increase, as the company has confirmed the obligation of back payment: entities that decide to join the ESU program later, for example, in the second or third year of availability, will also need to pay the fees for the previous years not covered. This clause is clearly designed to force a quick decision and discourage delays in hardware and software upgrade strategies.

At the same time, the industrial sector must pay close attention to the deadlines of Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2016 LTSB. For this product, the end of support is also set for October 2026. In this specific segment, Microsoft delegates the economic management to OEM partners, who will need to be contacted directly by companies to define specific ESU quotes. The pressure for upgrading also extends to the server sector: Windows Server 2016 will reach the end of its lifecycle in January 2027. Although extended updates remain an emergency option, the official suggestion firmly points toward migrating to Windows Server 2025.

More information about the expiration dates of the extended program and the final end of support for the enterprise versions of Windows 10 can be found here.