Microsoft has recently announced that they will be ending support for Windows 10 on October 14th, 2025. This means that users who want to continue using the operating system securely will need to pay for Extended Security Updates (ESU). This is a significant departure from the usual support model offered by Microsoft, where updates were typically free for consumers.
The pricing for Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 will start at $61 for the first year. This fee is per device, so both businesses and individual consumers will need to purchase ESU licenses for each Windows 10 device they plan to keep using after the end of support cutoff date. The pricing then doubles to $122 for the second year and doubles again to $244 in year three. It is important to note that if you enter into the ESU program in year two, you will still have to pay for year one as well since the ESUs are cumulative.
While Microsoft typically only offers subscriptions for Extended Security Updates to organizations that need to keep running older versions of Windows, this time around they are also targeting individual consumers. However, businesses that use a Microsoft cloud-based update solution like Intune or Windows Autopatch will receive a 25 percent discount, dropping the pricing to $45 per user for the first year. Schools will get an even bigger discount, with a $1 license for year one, doubling to $2 for year two and $4 for year three.
Microsoft is clearly pushing consumers to transition to Windows 11 instead of paying for extended support for Windows 10. However, due to more strict hardware requirements and security features, many PCs are unable to upgrade to Windows 11. Windows 11 is only supported on CPUs released from 2018 onward and devices that support TPM security chips. As a result, Windows 11 adoption has been slower compared to Windows 10, with 69 percent of Windows users still using Windows 10 compared to just 27 percent on Windows 11.
With the end of support for Windows 10 approaching in 2025, many users will need to consider their options. While Microsoft is offering Extended Security Updates for those who wish to continue using Windows 10 securely, the costs can add up over time. It is important for users to weigh their options and decide whether it makes more sense to upgrade to Windows 11 or pay for extended support for Windows 10.
The changes in Microsoft’s support model for Windows 10 mark a significant shift for both businesses and consumers. With the end of support approaching, users will need to carefully consider their options and make informed decisions about how to proceed. Whether upgrading to Windows 11 or investing in Extended Security Updates for Windows 10, it is crucial for users to prioritize the security of their devices and data.
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