Microsoft recently announced a last-minute lifeline for Windows 10 users: one year of free security updates through its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. While this may sound like a reprieve, it doesn’t change the reality: Windows 10 reaches end-of-life in October 2025.
At GadellNet, we believe this offer is a temporary patch, not a strategy. Here’s why we’re not recommending it, and what we’re doing instead.
The Microsoft ESU Program: A Band-Aid, Not a Cure
Microsoft’s ESU program allows individual users to extend security updates for one year, with options to enroll for free via OneDrive sync or Microsoft Rewards points, or pay $30 per device. For businesses, the cost is higher at $61 per device annually, renewable for up to three years.
But this program is not a long-term solution. It’s a stopgap for users who can’t upgrade immediately. It doesn’t include feature updates, bug fixes, or technical support. And for GadellNet’s partners, it introduces complexity, cost, and risk.
Strategic Planning Beats Reactive Scrambling
At GadellNet, we’ve been focused on helping clients turn this deadline into an opportunity since early-2024. Our initiative includes three steps:
- Modernize infrastructure: Upgrade to Windows 11 or explore cloud-based alternatives like Windows 365.
- Strengthen security: Avoid unsupported systems that expose your business to cyber threats.
- Plan proactively: Lead times for hardware replacements are growing. Waiting any longer could mean supply chain delays and inflated costs. Our team has been helping clients prepare for this for the last 24 months. Our procurement services team is still working hard to provide timely, affordable devices for those needing to upgrade.
We’ve seen clients benefit from acting as soon as possible. In strategic assessments and quarterly reviews, we identify aging systems and build upgrade roadmaps that align with budget cycles and operational goals.
Our Position: Upgrade, Don’t Delay
We’re not recommending the Microsoft ESU path unless it’s absolutely necessary, and even then, only in fringe cases like manufacturing environments with legacy dependencies. Our Account Managers are equipped to guide clients toward sustainable solutions. We’re here to help in the coming weeks.
What You Can Do Now
- Review your device inventory: Identify Windows 10 machines that can’t be upgraded. Our teams have been meeting every week to understand down to the device count and sending out these reports regularly to prepare!
- Connect with your Account Manager: Build a transition plan that fits your timeline and budget.
- Stay informed: We’ll continue publishing updates and resources to help you navigate this shift.
If your organization is interested in learning more about how GadellNet can help you plan to get out of Microsoft Windows 10 devices, please contact us today.
