License Glossary
What Is a ESU (Extended Security Updates)?
ESU (Extended Security Updates) is Microsoft's paid program of additional security updates for Windows versions past end of support. It brings no new features; it provides critical security patches only.
Windows 10 support ended on 14 October 2025; ESU offers users and organisations that could not complete their migration a way to keep receiving security patches for a limited period.
ESU is a bridge, not a lasting solution: in the long run the healthiest path is moving to Windows 11 if your hardware qualifies.
What you should know
- Provides security patches only; no new features or general support
- Windows 10 support ended 14 October 2025 — ESU is a migration bridge
- The lasting fix: move to Windows 11 if hardware allows