As of 14th October 2025, Microsoft has officially ended standard support for Windows 10, marking a major milestone for public sector organisations still using the operating system.
To help ease the transition, Microsoft has announced a free first year of Extended Security Updates (ESUs) – providing continued security updates for devices that can’t yet move to Windows 11.
However, there’s an important caveat:
This free first-year ESU programme only applies to eligible education institutions within the European Economic Area (EEA). That means UK schools are not included in the free offer.
What This Means for UK Schools
Devices still running Windows 10 will no longer receive regular security patches unless they are:
- Upgraded to Windows 11, or
- Enrolled in Microsoft’s Extended Security Update (ESU) programme.
For UK institutions, access to ESUs is still possible – but it comes at a cost. ESUs are designed as a temporary measure, allowing schools and other organisations additional time to plan and implement upgrades where immediate replacement isn’t feasible.
What This Means for Other Organisations
While Microsoft’s free ESU offer is limited to EEA education institutions, UK public sector bodies and private organisations are also affected by the end of Windows 10 support.
If your organisation operates in health, local government, emergency services, or any other public service environment, it’s important to review your Windows 10 estate as soon as possible. Devices that are not upgraded or enrolled in the ESU programme will no longer receive security patches, potentially exposing critical systems and data to increased cyber risk.
How We Can Help
Our expert teams are supporting organisations across the UK to:
- Review your current Windows 10 devices and identify upgrade paths
- Manage a smooth transition to Windows 11 where hardware allows
- Enable ESUs safely and efficiently for devices that remain on Windows 10
Our experienced technical teams are already helping public sector and private organisations assess their estates and plan the best route forward – whether that’s short-term protection via ESUs or full migration to Windows 11.
We understand the technical and budgetary pressures this change brings. That’s why we offer clear pricing, managed support, and practical guidance to keep your systems secure and compliant throughout the transition.
Act Now to Stay Protected
With support officially ended, there’s no “do nothing” option. If your devices aren’t upgraded or enrolled in ESUs, they’ll be exposed to unpatched vulnerabilities.
To discuss your estate or explore the best approach for your organisation, please contact your EIS Schools Technician or get in touch with us directly for tailored advice.