Navigating Windows 10 End-of-Support: Security and Cost Solutions

The Windows 10 Deadline: A New Security Reality 

As of October 14, 2025, Windows 10 has reached its official end of support milestone. For businesses, this marks a significant shift in security risk. Standard security patches, bug fixes, and technical updates are no longer provided by Microsoft, leaving systems exposed to newly discovered vulnerabilities. Any Windows 10 device still in use after this date becomes a growing attack surface for cybercriminals.

Datalink Networks emphasizes that operating an End of Life system is not simply a performance concern. It is a serious security and compliance liability. Unsupported operating systems increase the likelihood of ransomware attacks, data breaches, and audit failures, particularly for organizations subject to regulatory requirements.

While Microsoft offers the Extended Security Update program to help organizations transition, relying solely on traditional ESUs can be costly and difficult to manage at scale. For many organizations, the most practical and cost-effective option lies in the cloud.

Unlocking Free ESUs via Windows 365 

Traditional ESU licensing is often an unexpected and growing expense. Windows 365 changes that equation. Organizations using Windows 365 Cloud PCs are eligible to receive Windows 10 Extended Security Updates at no additional cost, providing built in protection while planning a controlled transition to Windows 11.

This benefit protects organizations in two critical ways.

The Cloud PC continues to receive automatic Windows 10 security updates, ensuring the virtual desktop environment remains protected.
The physical Windows 10 device used to access the Cloud PC is also eligible for free ESUs, as long as it meets Microsoft management and identity requirements.

Windows 365 ESU Coverage Overview

By leveraging this benefit, organizations can bypass the initial ESU cost, typically sixty one dollars per device, as well as the annual price doubling that follows in later years.

Critical Requirements for Free Enrollment 

Eligibility for free ESUs through Windows 365 is conditional. IT teams must ensure devices meet specific technical and administrative requirements to maintain coverage.

Devices that do not meet these criteria may lose ESU eligibility, leaving them exposed after end of support.

Strategizing Your Transition with Datalink Networks 

Extended Security Updates are a temporary safeguard, not a long term operating strategy. Datalink Networks recommends using this grace period to modernize endpoint infrastructure and reduce long term risk.

Organizations should begin by auditing their device fleet to determine which systems can be upgraded to Windows 11 and which devices are better suited to operate as thin access endpoints for Windows 365. This transition also creates an opportunity to strengthen identity and access controls, implement Zero Trust security principles, and reduce reliance on frequent hardware refresh cycles.

For many remote and hybrid workforces, shifting to a Windows 365 subscription model can deliver improved flexibility, stronger security, and more predictable costs compared to traditional device lifecycle management.

Take the Next Step

The Windows 10 end of support deadline is approaching quickly, and delaying action increases both risk and cost. Organizations that plan early gain greater flexibility, stronger security posture, and better financial outcomes.

For expert assistance with your Windows 10 end of support transition or to schedule a Windows 365 and cloud readiness assessment, contact the Datalink Networks team today.