Plenty of businesses are still running Windows 10, and for understandable reasons. Hardware compatibility, software vendor support, rollout logistics, and competing priorities have made upgrading a challenge.
But with official support ending on October 14, 2025, the time to act is limited. For organisations that are not yet ready to upgrade to Windows 11, Microsoft is offering Windows 10 extended support through its Extended Security Updates (ESUs) program. This can buy time, but it comes at a cost.
Here is what Australian businesses need to know about Windows 10 extended support and how RES can help manage it.
What is Extended Security Update support?
Microsoft’s ESU program provides critical and important security updates for Windows 10 devices beyond the end-of-support date. Devices must be running Windows 10 version 22H2, and ESUs are available for up to three years.
Extended Security Updates provide patches for critical security issues, feature updates or compatibility fixes are not included. So even with ESU coverage there is a risk of software and other compatibility issues, which increases over time.
Extended Security Updates only provide a stopgap for organisations that are security focussed but need more time to complete the upgrade. ESU is certainly not a long-term solution to running Windows 10.
It is also important to know that if you decide to enrol in ESU later (e.g. in year 2), you will still need to pay for year one and effectively ‘back date’ ESU coverage.
Unfortunately, there is no way to enrol later to obtain earlier security fixes at lower cost.
What is the cost?
Here is confirmed pricing in AUD for Windows 10 extended support:
| Year | Price per device (AUD) *excluding GST |
| 2025-2026 | $96 |
| 2026-2027 | $192 |
| 2027-2028 | $385 |
| Total (if all 3 years enrolled) | $673 |
These costs apply per device, and escalate quickly for organisations with larger fleets.
RES can support your next step
If your business is still running Windows 10 due to hardware limitations, you are not alone. We are helping many organisations in the same position.
As a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP), RES can assist with licensing transitions and extended support, including:
- Helping you assess eligibility for discounted or funded ESUs
- Planning your upgrade path without rushing hardware replacements
If extended support is required, we will help you manage it cost-effectively and with less disruption.
If your business needs to stay on Windows 10 for now, consider how device provisioning and management strategies can help you plan a smoother transition when you’re ready.
Time is limited
Unsupported operating systems increase risk, from cybersecurity exposure to software incompatibility and compliance gaps.
If your business needs to stay on Windows 10 for now, talk to us.
RES can help you stay protected, maintain compliance, and move forward on your terms.
