Turning Microsoft’s Windows 10 support extension into a strategic advantage for charities and education providers

Microsoft has confirmed that support for Windows 10 will officially end on 14 October 2025 (find out what you need to do). To ease the transition, they’ve introduced an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, available to all organisations for a fee, but offered free for one year to charities and education providers. 

This gives eligible organisations a valuable window to modernise their IT environments without immediate financial pressure. But it’s important to recognise that this is a temporary safety net, not a long-term solution. Devices will still need to run Windows 11, and any that can’t are already outdated, likely out of warranty, underpowered, increasingly unreliable, and potentially vulnerable from a security standpoint.  

However, we understand that many organisations are stretched, and this extension offers a chance to pause, plan, and make meaningful progress to strengthen your IT foundations without immediate cost. With 12 months of free support, charities and education providers should use this time to: 

• Audit their estate to identify which devices are compatible with Windows 11 and which need replacing 

• Plan a phased rollout that fits their budget and operational needs 

• Secure funding through grants or internal allocation 

• Improve resilience by strengthening security and reducing reliance on legacy systems 

At Trident, we’ll work alongside you to build a secure, future-proof IT strategy that fits your pace and priorities. From assessing device readiness or navigating licensing complexities, we’re here to guide you through every step. If so if you’re a charity or education provider, let us help you turn this extra time into a launchpad for long-term improvement.