Microsoft could earn an eye-watering $7.3 billion (£5.4bn converted) from pulling the plug on , according to a new report. Software firm Nexthink calculated that Microsoft could expect a sizeable windfall from its Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme, which costs as much as $61 (£45) per device for businesses desperate to keep receiving software updates.

If you missed the memo, from October 14 onwards, Microsoft will no longer issue new security patches, bug fixes, or new features for Windows 10. That means, should criminals discover a flaw in the software that allows them to steal data, install malware, or engage in other nefarious activities, Microsoft won't come to the rescue with a fix.

Still relying on Windows 10? .

But if you decide to subscribe to Extended Security Updates, you can continue using Windows 10 for a little longer. It’s not meant to be a long-term solution — it doesn’t include new features, non-security updates, design change requests or technical support.

"We understand that moving to a new PC can take time, and we’re here to support you every step of the way," said Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft's Chief Marketing Officer.

If you're considering using Microsoft's ESU programme, you'll pay £30 for an additional year of protection after October 2025. This option now covers up to 10 devices under a single payment, making it more accessible for households with multiple computers.

Windows 10 launched back in July 2015, meaning it's been on the market for over a decade

If you're running a business, enterprises will pay £49 per device for continued support, with this amount doubling each subsequent year you remain on the programme.

Financial analysts at Nexthink have calculated that Microsoft stands to generate approximately £5.4 billion from enterprise ESU subscriptions alone. Their projections assume that Windows 10 usage will drop by a third before the deadline, leaving around 121 million business computers still running the older system.

These estimates are based on Microsoft's disclosure that 1.4 billion PCs currently run Windows globally. Nexthink confirmed that roughly 30% of these devices belong to public organisations or enterprises, totalling 420 million machines.

Microsoft is releasing access to this programme gradually. If you can't sign up yet, the company confirms it's distributing access in stages and promises availability for everyone before the support deadline.

Microsoft could generate £5.9 billion from enterprise ESU subscriptions alone, according to analysts

This shutdown affects nearly 400 million computers worldwide, creating what environmental groups warn could become the largest surge in electronic waste ever recorded.

Environmental campaign groups have submitted formal requests asking Microsoft to reconsider its decision. The group claims Microsoft's choice speeds up unnecessary disposal of functioning computers and increases pressure on waste management systems.

"Microsoft’s decision not only accelerates premature disposal but also undermines efforts to extend product lifespans and puts additional pressure on resource use and waste management systems," said The Restart Project, a non-profit organisation promoting the reuse of electronics.

Major computer manufacturers HP and Dell report that half of all PCs currently operate on Windows 10, and they expect many users won't switch to Windows 11 immediately. These companies predict the transition could extend well into 2026, rather than happening overnight when support ends.