Microsoft announces new ESU programs for older versions of Windows that will soon no longer be supported.
As of October 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive security support. Users who are still committed to it could switch to the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Now, Microsoft is also announcing new ESU programs for other, older versions of Windows.
End of Support
The new ESU programs apply to three Windows products that were first released in 2016. These products reach their end-of-life date in the near future. For companies still using them, an extension via the program is possible. This concerns the following products:
- Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016: October 13, 2026
- Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2016 LTSB: October 13, 2026
- Windows Server 2016: January 12, 2027
The end date for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2016 LTSB is scheduled for October 13, 2026. Windows Server 2016 will continue until January 12, 2027.
New ESU programs
The end of a Windows product also means the end of support. To give companies extra time to safely transition to an alternative, Microsoft is offering new ESU programs for the aforementioned products.
For Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB, prices start at 61 dollars per device in the first year, or 45 dollars for devices managed via Microsoft Intune or Windows Autopatch. The price doubles every year and updates are cumulative. Price details for Windows Server 2016 and Windows IoT Enterprise LTSB 2016 will follow later.
read also
How to Keep Using Windows 10 Safely for Free after October 14
Microsoft points out that “the ESU program only provides critical and important security updates. Technical support is limited to activating ESU licenses, installing monthly ESU updates, and addressing issues that may have been caused by an update.”