The Extended Support Updates (ESU) program has been a lifesaver for people and organizations who, for whatever reason (including the poor state of Windows 11), They prefer to continue using Windows 10 despite the fact that this edition ended its official useful life cycle in October 2025. In order not to leave computers unprotected, Microsoft launched an extended paid support program for companies and completely free for consumers.
Microsoft has expanded the program this quarter to Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB, offering security updates for up to three years. Microsoft calls it “a gift of time”as it offers a little more headroom to prepare for migrations to Windows 11. Microsoft states that Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB support updates are available starting April 1, 2026 and reiterates the end of support:
Three Windows products first released in 2016 are nearing the end of their support cycle (EOS) on the following dates:
- Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016: October 13, 2026
- Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2016 LTSB: October 13, 2026
- Windows Server 2016: January 12, 2027
For organizations still using these versions, devices will receive a latest monthly security update on those dates. Afterwards, these devices will no longer receive Windows security updates, non-security updates, bug fixes, technical support, or online technical content updates.
Here comes the extended security program that will allow its use for three more years. It is important to take into account the costs involved. Microsoft notes that «The Price of the ESU program for Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB doubles every year. If you decide to enroll devices in the ESU program in the second year, you will also have to pay the costs for the first year, since ESUs are cumulative ».
Extended security updates will be available for purchase through volume licensing or through a Microsoft Cloud Solutions Provider (CSP) during the second quarter of 2026. They are priced at $61 per device for the first year. For devices managed by Microsoft Intune or Windows Autopatch, the price drops to $45 per device.
As an alternative. Microsoft continues to recommend migration to higher versionsboth Windows 10 still supported and Windows 11:
- Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024 (if your devices meet the hardware requirements)
- Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021
