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Microsoft Sets 2026–2027 End-of-Support for 2016 Windows Releases, Details Paid ESU Options

Microsoft outlines paid ESU pricing to provide a temporary bridge for organizations still on long-term servicing builds.

Overview

  • Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2016 LTSB reach end of support on October 13, 2026 with a final monthly security update, and Windows Server 2016 reaches end of support on January 12, 2027.
  • After those deadlines, affected systems stop receiving security patches, non-security updates, bug fixes, technical support, and documentation updates.
  • For Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB, ESU becomes available in Q2 2026 via Volume Licensing and Cloud Solution Providers at $61 per device in year one or $45 with Intune/Autopatch, with costs doubling each subsequent year for up to three cumulative years.
  • For Windows IoT Enterprise 2016 LTSB, ESU must be obtained through device manufacturers with OEM-set pricing, while Windows Server 2016 ESU pricing and full availability details remain pending.
  • Within the European Economic Area, a prior policy change grants Windows 10 users free ESU access through October 14, 2026 without a Microsoft cloud account requirement.