Windows 10 ESU
Microsoft support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. Take the necessary steps now to ensure the continued security and functionality for your work computer.
What does “end of life” mean?
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide:
- Security updates: This will leave your computer increasingly vulnerable to security threats.
- Non-security updates: Bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features will no longer be available.
- Assisted support: Microsoft will no longer offer technical assistance.
What does this mean for you?
- Continuing to use Windows 10 after the end-of-life date poses significant security risks to your computer and to the rest of UW.
- It is essential that all eligible devices are upgraded to a supported operating system, such as Windows 11, before October 14.
- After October 14, Windows 10 computers on UW networks may be blocked from network access, possibly without warning, if unpatched vulnerabilities threaten UW resources
What are my options
- Upgrade to Windows 11. If you choose to continue to self-manage workstations, you should upgrade to Windows 11 before Oct 2025. Devices incompatible with Windows 11 must be replaced. There are unauthorized “hacks” which will force Windows 11 to install on unsupported devices – do not do this. This sometimes results in silent failures of future updates, leaving your computer vulnerable, and increasing the odds that your computer will be blocked from UW network access.
- Extended Security Updates (ESUs): ESUs are a subscription program offered by Microsoft after a product has reached its official end-of-life (EOL) or end-of-support date. ESU is a partial mitigation, covers only certain critical updates to the operating system, and cannot ensure that end-user software will continue to be updated on Windows 10. You should only choose this option as a stopgap while you plan to migrate off Windows 10 as quickly as possible. Additionally, installation of CrowdStrike Falcon will be required on all ESU devices for additional protection.
UW-IT will cover the cost of the first year of ESUs ($1 per device).
If you know you will need an ESU for a device, please fill out the form below. This helps us estimate how many licenses we need to order.
License Details
Important notes:
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ESUs will not be delivered before October 14, 2025.
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UWare will confirm the total number of licenses needed before placing the order.
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UWMed will have a separate process for acquiring ESUs