Windows 10 Support: ESUs Can Buy You Time Before Upgrading to 11.

November 6, 2025

While official support for Windows 10 ended abruptly was announced on June 24, 2021, Microsoft rolled out the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program on September 1, 2023, to help people maintain security while transitioning to Windows 11. (You can’t put this off forever, people. Well, you can, but some things will just stop working and security will have holes like Swiss cheese. I’m talking to you, Windows 7 hangers-on.)

But how does ESU work? I can hear your query from here. I’d love to give you an infographic that doesn’t make your head spin, but it’s too risky. I just won’t do that to you. I’d be hearing about it for months to come.

Now before you finally leap into Windows 11, here’s the potential bag of sticker shock that comes with it: more than one costly thing you are counting on to keep working will stop working when you upgrade to Windows 11 and you won’t know until it’s too late.

My experience thus far has been that QuickBooks has been just w-a-i-t-i-n-g for this opportunity to tell those on pre-2023 versions that it won’t work anymore. But they won’t tell you until after you upgrade to Windows 11. In fact, no outdated software will give you a heads up. It’s like Schrödinger’s computer—it works and it doesn’t work at the same time. Other expensive software that will fail spectacularly is Adobe Creative Suite (CS6 and earlier), AutoCAD 2016 and earlier, Microsoft Office 2010 and 2013 and other legacy accounting and tax software. This is not an exhaustive list. Do your research. Use Google or your favorite AI to find out. Bear in mind that using outdated software including what I’ve listed here and more means no security updates for the software. Ultimately, staying on Windows 10 is a security and functionality risk. It is important that you know this. But I know that for some folks, the cost of upgrading software along with a new computer is cost prohibitive.

If you’re relying on legacy software that still meets your needs, Extended Security Updates (ESUs) can offer a valuable cushion while you plan your next move. They give you time—time to research alternatives, budget for upgrades, and transition thoughtfully without unexpected disruptions. While ESUs aren’t a permanent fix, they provide a practical bridge for anyone navigating the gap between aging tools and the realities of modern systems.

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