What happens after the end of Windows 10 support?

"Those who really don't want to stop using Windows 10 can purchase additional security patches (Extended Support Updates, ESU) at a hefty price. An organization with 50 employees (and therefore, for convenience, 50 Windows 10 endpoints) has to pay around €3,000 for one year. That same company pays Microsoft almost €20,000 in total for the maximum three years of ESU coverage."

"Of course, this is not always the case. Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) remains the only variant of the OS. The end date for LTSC 2021 (but not IoT) is January 12, 2027, while the IoT variant will continue to run until January 13, 2032. These are not common versions for end users and lack all kinds of features and sometimes drivers for peripheral devices."

Windows 10 reaches end of support on October 14, creating immediate security and compliance risks for systems that remain unpatched. Organizations can purchase Extended Support Updates (ESU) but costs are steep: roughly €3,000 for a 50-endpoint organization for one year and nearly €20,000 for three years. Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 retains support until January 12, 2027, and IoT until January 13, 2032, but those editions omit many consumer features and device drivers. Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 on most PCs, blocking upgrade on older hardware and making full hardware refreshes or migration planning necessary.

Read at Techzine Global