Windows 10 Support for Schools – Not Quite a Silver Bullet
Since publishing my earlier blog post on the end of Windows 10 support, I’ve had a number of people get in touch to let me know that Microsoft has, in fact, provided a solution for schools: extended security updates (ESUs). That’s true – but it’s not the simple fix some might think it is.
Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates programme for Windows 10 will be available beyond the October 2025 end-of-support date, but it comes with several strings attached. Schools must have a minimum of 10 devices enrolled, and the updates come at a cost – estimated at USD $61 (approx. NZD $100) per device for the first year, increasing in subsequent years. This isn’t a one-off; it’s an annual fee.
Let’s put that into perspective. A small school with 200 learners, even if only 50% of devices require extended support, could be facing a $10,000 bill for year one. A large school with 1,500 learners? That could be a $75,000 cost if half the devices need cover. And that’s just year one!
But the real complexity comes down to ownership. While some schools still provide devices for students, the vast majority in Aotearoa New Zealand have moved to a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) model – and many operate a hybrid of both. That raises tricky questions: Is it the school’s responsibility to fund extended updates for BYOD devices? What happens when those devices are shared within families or no longer under warranty? There’s no clear guidance, and for principals and IT staff already stretched thin, the burden of navigating these decisions adds to the pressure.
Call to Minister Stanford
This isn’t just a tech issue — it’s a digital equity issue. Without coordinated funding and clear national guidance, we risk leaving behind the schools and whānau least able to afford alternatives. The Ministry of Education showed strong leadership during Covid-19 by creating the Equitable Digital Access Fund, stepping in to ensure learners weren’t cut off during lockdowns. That same leadership is needed now.
We see in the media every day the immense pressure the Ministry is under, which is why we’re calling on the Minister of Education to step in and provide clear direction and support.
Digital inclusion starts with access, and ensuring every learner has a supported device is foundational to participating in modern education. This is a chance to reaffirm that digital equity isn’t just a crisis response — it’s a core commitment to our education system’s future.
