Windows 10 officially reached the end of support on October 14, 2025. Now that 2026 marks Year 1 of Windows 10 ESU (Extended Security Updates), many businesses are asking an urgent question:
How much will it cost to keep Windows 10 secure?
The answer is not just a simple annual fee. Windows 10 ESU pricing increases each year through 2028, and the total three-year cost can be significantly higher than expected.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- The year-by-year Windows 10 ESU cost structure (2026–2028)
- How pricing scales per device
- Who qualifies for ESU
- The total cost of staying on Windows 10
- When upgrading to Windows 11 may be more cost-effective
If you are budgeting for 2026 and beyond, this breakdown will help you plan strategically.
What Is Windows 10 ESU?
Windows 10 ESU (Extended Security Updates) is Microsoft’s paid post–end-of-life program that provides critical security updates after Windows 10 support ends.
Windows 10 ESU:
- Extends Windows 10 security updates from 2026 through 2028
- Applies to eligible Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions
- Provides security patches only
- Does not include feature updates, UI improvements, or performance enhancements
- Is purchased through Volume Licensing or Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) channels
The ESU program is designed as a temporary migration bridge, not a permanent solution.
The timeline is:
- Year 1: 2026
- Year 2: 2027
- Year 3: 2028 (final year)
After 2028, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates.
How Much Does Windows 10 ESU Cost in 2026?
Windows 10 ESU cost in 2026 (Year 1) is charged per device and increases each year:
- 2026 (Year 1): Base per-device annual cost
- 2027 (Year 2): Approximately double Year 1
- 2028 (Year 3): Approximately double Year 2
Organizations must purchase ESU sequentially and cannot skip years. Late enrollment typically requires retroactive payment.
Windows 10 ESU Cost by Year (2026–2028)
| ESU Year | Calendar Year | Cost Pattern | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 2026 | Base price per device | Entry point for ESU |
| Year 2 | 2027 | ~2× Year 1 | Must have purchased Year 1 |
| Year 3 | 2028 | ~2× Year 2 | Final ESU year |
Exact pricing depends on licensing agreements, edition type, and purchasing channel. However, Microsoft’s ESU structure consistently escalates annually.
Example: Three-Year Windows 10 ESU Cost Scenario
To illustrate how Windows 10 extended support pricing scales, consider a simplified example using hypothetical numbers:
Assume:
- 2026 (Year 1): $60 per device
- 2027 (Year 2): $120 per device
- 2028 (Year 3): $240 per device
For 50 devices:
- 2026: 50 × $60 = $3,000
- 2027: 50 × $120 = $6,000
- 2028: 50 × $240 = $12,000
Total ESU cost over three years: $21,000
The key takeaway is the compounding structure. By Year 3, the per-device cost is significantly higher than in Year 1.
For organizations managing hundreds of endpoints, the Windows 10 ESU cost can become a major budget consideration.
Windows 10 ESU Cost by Edition and Licensing
Windows 10 ESU is generally available for:
- Windows 10 Pro
- Windows 10 Enterprise
- Windows 10 Education
Windows 10 ESU for business environments is typically purchased through:
- Microsoft Volume Licensing agreements
- Enterprise Agreements (EA)
- Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) programs
- Azure Virtual Desktop deployments (in specific cases)
Enterprise customers may qualify for different pricing structures under certain agreements.
Because ESU is a licensing-based program, it is not usually available as a simple retail subscription.
Is Windows 10 ESU Available for Home Users?
In most cases, Windows 10 ESU is not available to standard home users.
It is designed primarily for organizations using volume licensing. Windows 10 Home editions generally do not qualify.
If you are an individual user running Windows 10 after the end of support, upgrading to a supported operating system becomes the practical long-term option.
The True Cost of Staying on Windows 10 Through 2028
The Windows 10 ESU license fee is only part of the financial equation.
When evaluating Windows 10 extended support cost, consider:
1. Escalating Annual Fees
ESU pricing increases significantly each year.
2. Administrative Overhead
IT teams must manage:
- ESU activation keys
- Deployment processes
- Compliance tracking
- Security validation
3. Aging Hardware
Many Windows 10 systems are already several years old. Delaying migration may increase:
- Maintenance costs
- Downtime risks
- Productivity losses
4. The 2028 Deadline
Year 3 (2028) is the final ESU year. After that, security updates stop permanently.
Windows 10 ESU buys time. It does not eliminate the need to upgrade.
Windows 10 ESU vs Windows 11: Cost Comparison
Many organizations compare Windows 10 ESU cost vs Windows 11 upgrade cost when planning post–end-of-support strategy.
Here is a simplified breakdown.
Staying on Windows 10 ESU
Pros:
- No immediate retraining
- Short-term continuity
- Delayed migration planning
Cons:
- Escalating annual fees
- No new features
- Limited support window
- Mandatory migration by 2028
Upgrading to Windows 11 Pro
Pros:
- Long-term official support lifecycle
- Ongoing security updates included
- No annual ESU fee increases
- Modern hardware security features
For a detailed comparison, refer to our blog article on Windows 11 or Windows 10 ESU.
If your organization is evaluating upgrade options, review the current Windows 11 Pro System Requirements.
In many cases, the total three-year ESU expense approaches or exceeds the cost of upgrading compatible devices.
When Paying for Windows 10 ESU Makes Sense
Windows 10 ESU may be appropriate if:
- You rely on legacy software incompatible with Windows 11
- You operate in regulated industries requiring validation cycles
- You manage a phased enterprise migration plan
- Hardware refresh is already scheduled within three years
In these scenarios, ESU serves as a controlled risk management strategy.
When Upgrading Is More Cost-Effective
Upgrading may be more financially logical if:
- Devices already meet Windows 11 requirements
- You manage a small or mid-sized fleet
- Hardware refresh is planned
- Long-term budgeting predictability is a priority
- Security modernization is strategic
Because Windows 11 includes security updates as part of its normal lifecycle, organizations avoid the escalating Windows 10 ESU pricing structure.
Final Thoughts
Windows 10 ESU in 2026 provides a temporary extension of security coverage, not a permanent solution.
Year 1 may appear manageable. Year 2 increases significantly. By Year 3 in 2028, costs are at their highest, and support ends regardless.
For organizations that need time, ESU offers breathing room. For those ready to modernize, upgrading to Windows 11 eliminates escalating fees and extends long-term support coverage.
The smartest strategy is not just calculating Year 1 cost, but evaluating the full three-year horizon before costs compound.
FAQ About How Much Does Windows 10 ESU Cost in 2026? Full Pricing Breakdown
Is 2026 officially Year 1 of Windows 10 ESU?
Yes. Since Windows 10 support ended in October 2025, 2026 is Year 1 of the three-year ESU program.
Can I skip Year 1 and start in Year 2?
No. If you enroll in Year 2, you may need to pay for Year 1 retroactively.
Does Windows 10 ESU include feature updates?
No. ESU provides security updates only.
Does Windows 10 ESU include Microsoft technical support?
No. ESU includes security patches only. It does not include free technical support or feature enhancements.
Do I need Windows 10 ESU if I use antivirus software?
Yes. Antivirus software does not replace operating system security updates. Without ESU, Windows 10 will not receive patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities.
