Plan for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 end of support

🚨 The Signal: Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 reaches end of support on January 12, 2027. Devices will no longer receive security updates, creating significant vulnerability if not upgraded or covered by Extended Security Updates (ESU).

The Impact

Security teams and IT operations are affected by the critical risk of unpatched systems.

• Security teams face critical risk from unpatched vulnerabilities.
• IT operations must plan and execute OS upgrades.
• Compliance officers will note non-conformance with patching policies.
• End-users may experience disruptions during OS upgrades.

The Action

1. Identify all devices running Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021.
2. Develop a migration plan to upgrade identified devices to Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024.
3. Allocate budget and resources for OS upgrades or Extended Security Updates (ESU).
4. If migration is not feasible by January 2027, plan for ESU purchase starting September 2026.
5. Review and update internal patching and vulnerability management policies to reflect this change.

Domain: Intune · Impact: high · Workload: Other · Essential Eight: Patch Operating Systems · ISM: ISM-1407, ISM-1501, ISM-1621, ISM-1622, ISM-1623, ISM-1654, ISM-1655, ISM-1694, ISM-1695, ISM-1696, ISM-1701, ISM-1702, ISM-1877, ISM-1889, ISM-1902