Still Using Windows 10? Here’s What Happens in Year Two

Last year, businesses still using Windows 10 had a decision to make.

Upgrade the computer, replace it or buy Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates program to keep receiving security patches.

For some computers, ESU was the right answer. It bought another year to deal with an old application, specialized equipment or a replacement that simply wasn’t ready yet.

But that year is almost over.

Microsoft’s first year of Windows 10 Extended Security Updates ends October 13, 2026. Windows 10 ESU Year 2 begins October 14, 2026 and runs through October 12, 2027. Businesses keeping those computers around will have another decision to make: pay for another year of ESU or start moving those devices off Windows 10.

What does Windows 10 ESU actually do?

The easiest way to think about ESU is as a bridge between Windows 10 and whatever comes next.

Microsoft ended normal support for Windows 10 in October 2025. ESU allows a business to keep an eligible Windows 10 computer in service while continuing to receive Critical and Important security updates.

It does not turn Windows 10 back into a fully supported operating system. It doesn’t add new features, ordinary fixes or normal technical support.

That’s fine if you’re using it for what it was designed to do: buy time.

The important part is having some idea what you’re buying the time for.

Windows 10 ESU gets more expensive in Year Two

For commercial customers, Microsoft’s list price for Windows 10 ESU started at $61 per device for Year One. Microsoft says the price doubles in each consecutive year.

That puts Year Two at $122 per computer and Year Three at $244.

There is another important catch. The years are cumulative.

You can’t skip Year One and simply buy Year Two later. Microsoft requires the previous year’s ESU license as a prerequisite.

Keep a computer on Windows 10 for all three years and the ESU licensing adds up to $427 per device: $61 for Year One, $122 for Year Two and $244 for Year Three.

For one computer, that may not sound like much. Across 10, 20 or 50 computers, it becomes a much different budget conversation.

At some point, that changes the conversation.

Why is this computer still on Windows 10?

That’s the question businesses should be asking as Year Two approaches.

There may be a very good answer.

A machine might run specialized software that isn’t ready for Windows 11. It might control a piece of equipment with a longer replacement cycle. A replacement might already be budgeted for next year.

Those are exactly the kinds of situations ESU is useful for.

But if the answer is simply, “we haven’t gotten around to replacing it,” paying another year’s ESU fee starts to make less sense.

ESU doesn’t mean every remaining Windows 10 computer needs to disappear immediately.

It means every remaining Windows 10 computer should have a reason for still being there and a plan for eventually getting off the bridge.

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FAQs About Windows 10 ESU Year 2

How much does Windows 10 ESU Year 2 cost?

For commercial customers, Windows 10 Extended Security Updates cost $122 per device for Year Two, based on Microsoft’s published pricing structure. That is double the $61 per-device price for Year One. The price doubles again for Year Three.

Can I buy Windows 10 ESU Year 2 if I did not buy Year One?

No. Microsoft requires businesses to purchase ESU coverage consecutively. If a device did not have Year One coverage, you cannot simply skip ahead and purchase only Year Two. Previous years must also be purchased to bring the device into the current ESU period.

When does Windows 10 ESU Year 2 begin?

Windows 10 ESU Year Two begins October 14, 2026 and runs through October 12, 2027. It follows the first year of Extended Security Updates, which ends October 13, 2026.

What does Windows 10 Extended Security Updates include?

ESU provides eligible Windows 10 devices with Critical and Important security updates after normal Windows 10 support has ended. It does not include new features, general product improvements or the same level of technical support provided for a fully supported operating system.

Should my business keep paying for Windows 10 ESU or upgrade to Windows 11?

It depends on why the computer is still running Windows 10. ESU can make sense when a device supports specialized software or equipment, or when a replacement is already planned. If there is no specific reason to keep the computer on Windows 10, the increasing annual ESU cost makes it worth evaluating an upgrade or replacement instead.