Edtech

Schools will get discounted updates to keep Windows 10 running

Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates for the operating system after October 14

Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates for the operating system after October 14

26 Apr 2025, 5:00

More from this author

Schools will get heavily discounted software updates to keep older computers running Windows 10 when support for the operating system ceases this year.

Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates for Windows 10 after October 14, with the company warning that computers still running the system may stop working.

Private owners face an annual bill of at least $61 (£45) to continue receiving the updates, which include security support.

Earlier this month, Lord Knight, a Labour peer, asked ministers for the estimated cost to schools in England.

Baroness Smith said devices that met requirements for Windows 11 would be updated free, and that the DfE and Microsoft had “validated” a discounted plan for extended security updates on Windows 10 devices.

Schools will pay $1 per device for the first year of support, $2 in the second and $4 in the third. Prices will be based on foreign exchange rates at the point of ordering. 

Lord Knight said he was “delighted”.

“Inevitably, laptops do need replacing because they become technically obsolete, regardless of updates. So this is, I think, quite a welcome opportunity.” 

A government survey suggests 91 per cent of primary schools and 93 per cent of secondary schools have laptops for pupil use, while 95 per cent of secondary schools and 43 per cent of primaries have desktop computers.

The same survey suggests that 95 per cent of primary and 93 per cent of secondary schools have laptops for staff use and 81 and 88 per cent respectively have desktops.

Latest education roles from

Chief Education Officer (Deputy CEO)

Chief Education Officer (Deputy CEO)

Romero Catholic Academy Trust

Director of Academy Finance and Operations

Director of Academy Finance and Operations

Ormiston Academies Trust

Principal & Chief Executive

Principal & Chief Executive

Truro & Penwith College

Group Director of Marketing, Communications & External Engagement

Group Director of Marketing, Communications & External Engagement

London & South East Education Group

Sponsored posts

Sponsored post

How accurate spend information is helping schools identify savings

One the biggest issues schools face when it comes to saving money on everyday purchases is a lack of...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

Building Character, Increasing Engagement and Growing Leaders: A Whole School Approach

Research increasingly shows that character education is just as important as academic achievement in shaping pupils’ long-term success. Studies...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

Educators launch national AI framework to guide schools and colleges

More than 250 schools and colleges across the UK have already enrolled in AiEd Certified, a new certification framework...

SWAdvertorial
Sponsored post

How Learner-Led Computing Promotes Student Engagement

For 15 years, Apps for Good has been championing digital education, empowering young people from all backgrounds - especially...

SWAdvertorial

More from this theme

Edtech

Schools wanted to become edtech ‘testbeds’

Pilot to build 'evidence base' on impact of workload-cutting tech

Jack Dyson
Edtech

Bett organiser to exit Russia after pressure from education sector 

Russian events will be led by a local leadership team - but Hyve 'won't profit or invest in' ...

James Carr

Your thoughts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *