Editor’s note: This blog was updated on October 31, 2024, with the following information—Beginning November 1, 2024, we will begin offering the traditional 5-by-5 Extended Security Update (ESU) offer through the Volume Licensing pricelist. The first ESU will be available in November 2025. We’ll share more details on availability of the cloud-based ESU offer on our pricelist in the future. Learn more about moving to Windows 11 and the tools you can take advantage of to support this transition.
Windows 10 will reach end of support (EOS) on October 14, 2025, less than two years from today. While two years may seem like a lot of time, upgrading your school’s devices now will help your organization stay focused on learning outcomes and protect educational data without interruption.
For nearly a decade, you’ve helped shape the learning experiences of countless students and educators with Windows 10. We wish to express our gratitude and appreciation for the ways you’ve used Windows 10 to empower learners, leaders, and intuitions to transform education. Thank you for being an integral part of our mission to enable equitable education for all.
We encourage you to transition to Windows 11 sooner than later, and we’re here to help you plan your move. Learn about the options you have to smoothly transition to Windows 11, including extended protection for Windows 10 devices that may need more time to transition.
What does Windows 10 end of support mean?
End of support means that Microsoft will no longer provide bug fixes for issues, security fixes for vulnerabilities, time zone updates, or technical support for problems that might occur.
As noted on the Windows 10 release information page, version 22H2 is the final version of Windows 10. All editions of Windows 10, version 22H2 will remain in support with monthly security updates through October 14, 2025.
Transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 to meet your needs
Windows 11 helps every learner do their best work with easy-to-use tools built right in and ready to go from the first day—all in a secure and trusted environment. Windows 11 security features are enabled by default, providing protection for your school’s devices and peace of mind. The accessibility features and AI improvements built into Windows 11 help educators personalize learning and meet the needs of all students.
In addition to upgrading eligible PCs to Windows 11 using Microsoft Intune, your options to adopt Windows 11 include:
- Upgrade eligible PCs to Windows 11.
- Purchase new modern Windows 11 Pro PCs.
- Move to Windows 11 on a Cloud PC with Windows 365.
As we continue to develop Windows 11 for education, along with a wide range of devices from our partners, we remain dedicated to creating products that help all students access the tools and support they need to explore new opportunities and succeed in their learning. Find the perfect learning device at a low cost from Microsoft Education.
Windows 11 helps every learner do their best work with easy-to-use tools built right in and ready to go from the first day.
Take advantage of the Extended Security Update program for Windows 10
We encourage you to switch to Windows 11, but we recognize that some situations might not allow you to upgrade your Windows 10 devices before the EOS date. For this reason, Microsoft will provide Extended Security Updates (ESU). The ESU for Windows 10 is designed to provide you with peace of mind as you migrate to Windows 11 and identify Windows 10 PCs that need more time to transition.
- Devices enrolled in ESU can receive monthly security updates but no feature or other updates.
- Similar to the Windows 7 ESU program, you will be able to purchase yearly subscriptions to security updates, renewable for up to three years.
- Windows 365 customers, as well as those that run Windows 10 in an Azure Virtual Desktop, will receive ESU at no additional charge.
To help you plan a successful transition, we’re offering special education pricing for the Windows 10 ESU program:
- ESU pricing1 for Microsoft education customers will be $1 per license for the first year, $2 the following year, and $4 the third year to ensure institutions receive the support they need.
- This offer is extended to all education customers, including K-12 and Higher Education.
We know educators and students have experienced great benefits with Windows 10 and there’s even more to love with Windows 11, including built-in accessibility features on devices that are secure, easy to deploy, and manage. We look forward to helping you plan your transition to Windows 11 and supporting you on your journey.
We’ll continue to share updates about Windows 10 EOS and in the meantime, visit Lifecycle FAQ for Windows for more details. Additionally, more information on the ESU program will be shared later as availability and Windows 10 EOS approach. Read the Tech Community Blog on Windows 10 EOS or our visit the Windows Tech Community for more details on ESU enrollment. Looking for support? Visit Windows on Microsoft Q&A.
Microsoft 365, Windows devices, and comprehensive security combine to help schools and classrooms worldwide accelerate learning, improve efficiency, and enable equitable education. Learn about a suite of products that provide a comprehensive solution for everyone at your school, from educators to students to admins.
1All prices are in US dollars and accurate as of April 2024. Regional prices will vary based on foreign exchange rates at the moment of ordering SKUs.
