Trying to save money by sticking with Windows 10? It could be costing you more than you think.
With global demand driving up hardware prices and supply tightening, delaying your upgrade is becoming increasingly expensive. When you also factor in rising ESU (Extended Security Updates) costs, the true cost of waiting can quickly add up — leaving your business financially worse off.
Why Are Prices Rising?
Several global factors are pushing up the cost of business hardware:
- Component shortages are increasing the price of key parts like RAM
- Manufacturers are prioritising AI and data centres, reducing focus on standard business laptops
- Supply is tightening, making devices harder to source
What This Means for Your Business
Right now, a typical Windows 11 business laptop costs between £600–£880.
However, over the next 12–24 months:
- Prices are expected to rise further
- Lead times are likely to increase
- Availability may become more limited
Key takeaway: Waiting no longer means cheaper hardware — it now means paying more and waiting longer.
What is ESU?
ESU (Extended Security Updates) is a Microsoft programme that allows businesses to continue receiving critical security updates for Windows 10 after official support ends.
In simple terms:
- Once Windows 10 reaches end of life, free updates stop
- ESU allows you to pay for continued protection
- Costs increase each year, often doubling over time
It’s important to understand that ESU is designed as a short-term safety net, not a long-term solution.
The Combined Impact
At first glance, delaying an upgrade might seem like a sensible way to manage costs. In reality, it often becomes the most expensive option.
Here’s why:
- Security costs rise every year due to increasing ESU pricing
- Hardware becomes more expensive and harder to source
- Compliance risks increase, potentially affecting insurance, audits, and standards like Cyber Essentials
Put simply, you could end up paying more each year just to stand still.
The Smarter Approach
A more effective and cost-controlled strategy is to plan ahead:
- Protect your business now by using ESU as a short-term measure
- Assess your current devices to identify what can be upgraded and what needs replacing
- Upgrade in phases, avoiding rushed decisions and inflated costs
Extended support gives you time — but planning is what saves you money.