Windows 10 LTSC 2021 has five months before security updates cost extra
ESU meter starts running in January, unless you're on the IoT edition
Microsoft has issued a warning that Windows 10 LTSC 2021 will officially cease to receive security updates on January 12, 2027. This means enterprises utilizing the Long-Term Support edition must plan for the transition. Free support for most Windows 10 editions ended last year, but LTSC 2021 continues to receive updates. These updates will conclude with a final security patch on the specified date.
Although administrators can continue receiving security updates through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, the cost is significant: $61 per device for Year 1, with the price doubling in each subsequent year. The program will end on January 8, 2030. ESU sales commence on September 1, 2026, and licenses are cumulative, requiring organizations to pay for previous years as well.
The offer does not extend to Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC, which remains supported until January 13, 2032. Organizations using cloud-based update services like Intune or Autopatch can avail a 25% discount, reducing the Year 1 price to $45 per device. However, those not eligible for this discount will have to bear the full cost using Volume Licensing or a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider.
Despite Microsoft's efforts to phase out Windows 10, it remains the dominant operating system, accounting for just under 30% of the market, according to Statcounter's data. The slow migration to Windows 11, combined with specialist hardware or application compatibility issues, contributes to this stubborn hold.
Written by urgent.news from The Register Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
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