Microsoft gives Windows laggards the 'gift of time' wrapped in licensing fees

Microsoft is giving Windows customers the "gift of time" but expects compensation for its generosity.

In a community post, Microsoft confirmed it is making up to three years of Extended Security Updates (ESU) available for aging Windows installations, while remaining coy about pricing for Windows Server 2016.

Most major versions of Windows 10 reached the end of support in 2025. On October 13, 2026, it is the turn of Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB and Windows IoT Enterprise LTSB 2016. Windows Server 2016 comes to the end of the road on January 12, 2027.

Microsoft's preferred path for Windows Server 2016 customers is an upgrade to Windows Server 2025. For Windows 10 holdouts, the options are Windows 11 with its controversial hardware requirements or the final LTSC release, Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021.

ESU for Windows 10 2016 LTSB is priced at $61 per device for the first year ...