There comes a time in every adult child’s life when they must sit their parents down, look them in the eye, and say the dreaded words:
“It’s time to buy a new computer.”
For me, that time was this fall. Or at least, it would have been—if not for Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10, aka my new favorite form of procrastination.
The End (of Support) is Nigh
In case you missed it because you’ve been too busy actually living your life, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After that, regular users are expected to move on to Windows 11 or—brace yourself—buy new hardware that can handle it.
Which, of course, is when every aging family laptop becomes your problem.
But thanks to Microsoft’s ESU program, you (and I) now have an extra three years of critical security updates to hide behind. That means Windows 10 machines can keep receiving essential patches through October 2028—provided you subscribe annually through your Microsoft account.
No enterprise licensing acrobatics required. No begging your parents to figure out what TPM 2.0 is. Just… click the thing and buy some time.
Why This Matters (Even If You’re Not a Cheapskate)
I like to think of this as a strategic extension of hardware ROI, not just a desperate attempt to avoid being tech support over Thanksgiving dinner.
Delaying new hardware purchases until at least Fall 2026 gives:
- More time for budget planning (a.k.a. waiting for a decent laptop to go on sale at Costco)
- More room for user transition (read: letting my dad mourn the death of the Control Panel in peace)
- And yes, a little less e-waste from upgrading devices that still technically work
Let’s not forget: some people are still using printers from 2009 because “it still prints fine.”
Bottom Line
If you’re in a similar boat—running Layer 8 tech support for friends, family, or small orgs—it might be worth looking into the ESU program. It’s not a forever solution, but it’s a decent runway extender.
And hey, if Microsoft is offering a way to kick the upgrade can down the road… who are we to refuse?