Life After Windows 10: Do You Need Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates

A 3d rendered microsoft logo cube sits on a reflective surface, illuminated by blue, red, and yellow lights, with a dark background—evoking the era of windows 10 and its extended security updates.

Windows 10 support officially ends on 14 October 2025. For many businesses, the problem isn’t that their PCs are old or failing – it’s that perfectly good hardware can’t upgrade to Windows 11 because of Microsoft’s strict requirements.

Replacing entire fleets of machines before you’re ready is costly and disruptive. That’s where Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme comes in. ESUs let you keep running Windows 10 safely by continuing to receive critical security patches for up to three years beyond the official end-of-support date.

At Dr Logic, we can supply ESU licences (via Pax8) on 1, 2, or 3-year plans and help you decide whether extending Windows 10 or moving to Windows 11 (or beyond) makes the most sense for your business.

What Are Extended Security Updates (ESUs)?

Extended Security Updates are Microsoft’s paid service for organisations that can’t upgrade right away. Once mainstream support ends, ESUs keep delivering critical security updates so you stay protected against new threats.

Think of ESUs as a short-term safety net: they buy you time to plan, budget, and migrate on your terms.

Why Businesses Still Need ESUs in 2025

If your organisation is still running Windows 10 in October 2025, you’re not alone. Many businesses will be in the same situation, because:

  • Hardware still works – machines may be reliable, but blocked by Windows 11’s hardware requirements.
  • Budgeting cycles – replacing dozens or hundreds of PCs is a big investment that may not align with your current budget.
  • Application dependencies – some apps or workflows may not yet be fully certified for Windows 11.

ESUs give you breathing room to keep using reliable machines without compromising security.

The Risks of Skipping ESUs

Choosing to do nothing after October 2025 leaves your business exposed:

  • Cyber threats – unsupported systems are prime targets for ransomware and malware.
  • Compliance issues – you could fail audits or lose cyber insurance cover if you’re running unsupported software.
  • Financial impact – the cost of a breach or downtime will far outweigh the cost of ESUs.

For regulated industries, unsupported operating systems can also mean contractual breaches with clients or partners.

How Do ESUs Work?

Microsoft makes ESUs available for up to three years after the end of support:

  • Coverage is sold in 1, 2, or 3-year plans.
  • Pricing increases each year, incentivising businesses to migrate.
  • Licences are only available through approved Microsoft partners, like Dr Logic, via Pax8.

We don’t just supply licences – we handle deployment, patch management, and long-term planning so you stay protected without the admin burden.

Not sure whether to extend Windows 10 or move to Windows 11?

We’ll help you weigh the options, supply the right licences, and build your upgrade strategy. Book a consultation today.

Buy Time or Move On?

So, should you buy ESUs or fast-track migration to Windows 11?

  • Choose ESUs if your hardware is reliable, budgets are tight, or you need more time to prepare.
  • Choose migration if you want long-term cost savings, improved performance, and fewer compliance headaches.

In practice, many businesses take a hybrid approach: use ESUs to keep some devices safe while gradually upgrading others.

How Dr Logic Can Help

Dr Logic is more than a licence reseller – we’re your IT partner. We can:

  • Supply ESUs via Pax8 on 1, 2, or 3-year terms.
  • Manage patching and keep your Windows 10 devices secure.
  • Plan your upgrade so you move to Windows 11 (or alternative solutions) smoothly and strategically.
  • Support hybrid estates if you’re running both Apple and Windows systems.

With us, you don’t just buy time – you buy clarity, strategy, and a smoother path forward.

We also specialise in hybrid IT support, so whether your business runs Apple, Windows, or both, we’ll keep every device secure and supported.

Still running Windows 10?

Don’t risk running unsupported systems after October 2025. Dr Logic can supply ESU licences (via Pax8) on a 1, 2, or 3-year plan and guide your IT roadmap for a secure, future-ready upgrade.

Book a consultation today.

FAQs

What are Microsoft Extended Security Updates?

Paid updates that extend security patching for unsupported Windows versions.

When does Windows 10 support end?

14th October 2025.

How long can I stay on ESUs?

Up to three years, until October 2028.

Is buying ESUs cheaper than upgrading?

Short-term, yes – but costs increase each year. ESUs are best for buying time while planning a transition.

Can Dr logic supply and manage ESUs?

Yes – we supply ESUs through Pax8 and manage them as part of your IT strategy.

A 3d rendered microsoft logo cube sits on a reflective surface, illuminated by blue, red, and yellow lights, with a dark background—evoking the era of windows 10 and its extended security updates.

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