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Windows 10 Support Ends Oct. 14 With $61 ESU Fee as Upgrades Lag

Enterprises that delay migration could collectively pay about $7.3 billion for the first year of extended updates.

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Microsoft may earn up to $7.3 billion from its ESU program, charging enterprise users $61 per device and doubling the fee each year.
Windows 10's end-of-support is seemingly bolstering AI PC sales and global PC shipments.
Dell XPS 17 9710 laptop on a wooden fence, displaying Windows 10 desktop

Overview

  • Microsoft confirmed a $61 per‑device fee for year one of Windows 10 Extended Security Updates for organizations, with the program starting at the October 14 cutoff.
  • Nexthink estimates a roughly $7.3 billion collective first‑year bill if about 121 million enterprise PCs remain on Windows 10 and enroll in ESU.
  • HP and Dell say roughly half of today’s PCs still run Windows 10, and they expect upgrades to extend into 2026, with small and mid‑size businesses leaning on ESU as a bridge.
  • Microsoft says ESU enrollment is appearing in waves and will be available before support ends; consumers can get a free year by syncing settings with a Microsoft account or redeeming 1,000 Rewards points, or pay $30 for up to 10 devices.
  • Nexthink reports higher instability on Windows 11 devices than on Windows 10 during migrations, and advocacy groups warn the cutoff could accelerate e‑waste.