Windows 10 stopped receiving free updates in October 2025, and in October 2026 the second year of paid patches began, at twice the price. And on 12 January 2027 it is Windows Server 2016's turn.
Windows 10: the second year is expensive
- Free support ended on 14 October 2025.
- Companies that need more time can buy Extended Security Updates (ESU). The first year cost $61 per device.
- The second year, from 14 October 2026 to 12 October 2027, costs $122 per device, twice as much.
- Anyone signing up now also pays for the first year: $183 per device to start with.
These are reference prices in US dollars; the final amount depends on the licensing channel. In many cases, that money covers a good part of a new computer with Windows 11.
Windows Server 2016: 12 January 2027
That day, extended support for Windows Server 2016 ends. From then on, servers that are not migrated or covered by paid ESU will stop receiving security patches. Many companies still run domain controllers, file servers or business applications on this version.
What to do
- Real inventory. A remote management (RMM) tool tells you in minutes how many devices and servers are still running unsupported versions.
- Compatibility. Check which devices support Windows 11 and which applications depend on Windows Server 2016.
- Phased plan. Prioritise what is exposed: domain controllers, internet-facing servers and laptops that leave the office.
- ESU only as a bridge. Buy extended updates only for what you cannot migrate in time, with an exit date.
How we can help
We take the inventory, plan the renewal of workstations and the migration of servers, physical or virtualised with Hyper-V or Proxmox, and carry it out without stopping your business.