Microsoft Expands Windows ESU to Cover Windows 10 LTSB 2016 and Server 2016

Microsoft is expanding its Extended Security Update (ESU) program to cover additional Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 versions approaching the end of support. Organizations that rely on long-term servicing releases now face new upgrade decisions as deadlines draw closer.

The move follows Windows 10 entering ESU after its mainstream support ended in October 2025, allowing eligible customers to continue receiving paid security updates.

More 2016 Windows Versions Added to ESU

According to Neowin, Microsoft confirmed that several older SKUs will soon qualify for Extended Security Updates.

Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2016 LTSB will reach end of support on October 13, 2026. After that date, Microsoft will stop delivering monthly quality updates, security patches, and standard technical support.

Windows Server 2016 will follow shortly after, reaching end of support on January 12, 2027.

Without ESU coverage, these systems will no longer receive security fixes, leaving organizations exposed to vulnerabilities.

Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB ESU Pricing

Microsoft has published pricing details for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016.

The Extended Security Update program starts at $61 per device per year. Organizations that manage devices through Intune or Windows Autopatch qualify for a discounted rate of $45 per device per year.

However, ESU costs double each year over the three-year coverage window. That means businesses that delay upgrades will pay significantly more in later years.

ESUs are also cumulative. If a customer joins the program in year two or three, they must pay for previous years as well to receive current updates.

Microsoft recommends that Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB customers migrate to the latest Windows 10 LTSC release or transition directly to Windows 11.

IoT and Server Customers Advised to Upgrade

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2016 LTSB users should move to newer IoT LTSC releases. Microsoft also advises contacting OEM partners for ESU pricing and availability details specific to embedded devices.

For server environments, Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows Server 2025 before support ends for Windows Server 2016.

ESU options will be available for Windows Server 2016, but Microsoft has not yet disclosed official pricing.

ESUs Offer Security Only, Not New Features

Microsoft continues to stress that Extended Security Updates only provide critical and important security patches. They do not include new features, performance improvements, or expanded support services.

The company encourages organizations to adopt modern Windows platforms instead of relying on paid legacy coverage.

Meanwhile, regular Windows 11 users continue to receive active features and quality updates. The latest KB5077230 update introduces peripheral fingerprint support and expands cross-device resume capabilities.

For users testing preview builds, Microsoft also released KB5077232 and KB5077231 in the Dev and Beta channels, offering additional refinements and stability improvements.