Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 is approaching an important milestone. This release reaches end of support (EOS) on January 12, 2027.
Devices running this version will receive a final monthly security update on that date. After that, they will no longer receive Windows security updates, non-security updates, bug fixes, technical support, or online technical content updates.
Staying on a supported version of Windows
Upgrade to Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024 for the latest security capabilities for these devices.
If you need additional time to complete your migration, you can use the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. ESU coverage for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 will be available for purchase starting September 1, 2026. This way, you can plan and enroll well ahead of the end-of-support date.
Note: This Extended Security Update offer isn't for Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC. These devices remain in support through January 13, 2032.
What is the Extended Security Update program?
The ESU program isn't intended to be a long-term solution but rather a temporary bridge.
- What Extended Security Updates are: The ESU program offers critical and important security updates only (as defined by the Microsoft Security Response Center). Technical support is limited to help you activate the ESU licenses, install ESU monthly updates, and address issues arising from an update.
- What Extended Security Updates are not: Extended Security Updates don't include new features, quality fixes, or design change requests. The ESU program doesn't extend technical support for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021.
Extended Security Updates are available for purchase for up to three years after the end-of-support date. For Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021, that means ESU coverage can run through January 8, 2030.
Pricing and availability: Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 will be available for purchase starting September 1, 2026. You can get them through Volume Licensing or a Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider. The cost of the Year 1 license is $61 USD per device.[1]
For organizations using a Microsoft cloud-based update management solution (i.e., Microsoft Intune or Windows Autopatch), there is a ~25% discount, costing $45 USD per device for Year 1. These Extended Security Updates are also available through Volume Licensing.[1]
Note: The price of the ESU program for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 doubles every consecutive year, for a maximum of three years. ESUs are cumulative. Therefore, if you decide to enroll devices in the ESU program in Year 2, you'll also need to pay the Year 1 costs.
More time to complete your migration
If some of your devices might remain on Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 after it reaches end of support, consider the ESU program. However, we recommend that you upgrade to Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024 for the best experience.
Follow this article and the Windows message center for more details, when available.
To learn more about Extended Security Updates, see the ESU FAQ. To review lifecycle support dates for any Microsoft product, see our Microsoft Lifecycle documentation.
[1] All prices are in US dollars. Regional prices will vary based on foreign exchange rates at the moment of ordering SKUs.
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