Microsoft has multiple editions of Windows 10, such as Pro, Home, and LTSC. Although LTSC is typically meant for businesses, some clever consumers also use it, and one of the most popular editions is Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021. Now, it’s reaching the end of support in January 2027, and Microsoft wants you to prepare by paying $61 per device.

For those unaware, LTSC is separate from the regular versions of Windows 10, such as Home, Pro, Enterprise, and Education. Unlike these regular editions, Windows 10 LTSC feels like a breath of fresh air, as it doesn’t come with ads, bloatware, or even many of Microsoft’s own apps. For example, you don’t even get the UWP Calculator app by default.

In a statement, Microsoft reminded us that Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 support is finally ending. This OS version first shipped in November 2021 and is reaching the end of support on January 12, 2027.

After that date, if you use this edition of Windows LTSC, whether through enterprise licensing or unofficial methods, you will no longer receive regular security updates, including fixes for critical bugs.

Of course, Windows 10 LTSC, just like Windows 10 Home or even Windows 7, will not stop working after it reaches the end of support. It’s more about receiving regular fixes, and these monthly cumulative updates are now more important than ever. As Microsoft previously told us, you should not delay updates by more than three days due to rising AI-powered security threats.

In either case, it’s always better to use a supported version, so you have three options from here.

How to prepare for Windows 10 LTSC 2021 end of support

The first option is to move to another supported edition of Windows 10 LTSC. Enterprise LTSC 2019, along with its IoT equivalent, remains supported until January 9, 2029. The 2019 release has a longer lifecycle, while the regular Enterprise LTSC 2021 edition received only five years of support.

There is also Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021, which is a separate edition and remains supported until January 13, 2032. Most consumers use IoT Enterprise LTSC, which is supported until 2032. Microsoft says the new ESU offer does not apply to the IoT edition because it is already covered by its existing lifecycle until 2032.

The second option is to pay $61 per device for the first year of Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021. The first year costs $61 per device, or $45 for organizations using Microsoft Intune or Windows Autopatch.

The ESU program will be available for up to three years after support ends, allowing Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 to continue receiving security updates through January 8, 2030. However, the price doubles every year.

Also, if you wait until the second year to enroll a device, Microsoft will require you to pay for both the first and second years.

Microsoft also makes it clear that ESU is only a temporary bridge and does not restore full support. It includes critical and important security updates, but you will not receive new features, general quality fixes, design changes, or regular technical support.

The third option, which is obviously Microsoft’s recommendation, is to upgrade to Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024.

At this point, I am expecting Microsoft to launch a massive campaign for Windows 11 soon, and convert more consumers before Windows 10’s extended support finally concludes in October 2027.

Microsoft has also released several generations of its long-term Windows 10 editions. LTSC was previously called Long-Term Servicing Branch, or LTSB. Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2015 and IoT Enterprise LTSB 2015 reached end of support on October 14, 2025, alongside the regular editions of Windows 10.

Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 and IoT Enterprise LTSB 2016 remain supported until October 13, 2026. Microsoft has also introduced a paid ESU program for these editions, allowing organizations to continue receiving critical and important security updates after regular support ends.

Strangely, the newer Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 will die before LTSC 2019.

There is also an important difference between Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021. The regular Enterprise edition reaches end of support in January 2027, but the IoT edition continues receiving extended security updates until January 13, 2032. Microsoft says the new $61 ESU offer does not apply to Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 because that edition already has a much longer lifecycle.

For Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021, the paid ESU program can extend security coverage for up to three years, through January 8, 2030. The first year costs $61 per device, or $45 for organizations using qualifying cloud-based update management services such as Microsoft Intune or Windows Autopatch. The price doubles each year, and the licenses are cumulative, so joining in the second year also requires paying for the first year.

However, ESU does not put Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 back into full support. It provides only critical and important security updates. It does not include new features, general bug fixes, design changes or normal technical support. In other words, Microsoft will keep the operating system on life support, but organizations will need to pay annually for the privilege.

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