Published on: November 1, 2024
Microsoft users who wish to continue using Windows 10 securely after its official end-of-support date can do that for a fee of $30.
Microsoft’s support for Windows 10 is coming to a close, with the official end date set for October 14, 2025. After this date, Windows 10 systems will no longer receive bug fixes or security updates to address new vulnerabilities or protect against emerging security threats.
For the first time ever, consumers will have the option to enrol in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing them to receive essential monthly security patches for a single, extra year.
“Program enrollment will be available closer to the end of support in 2025,” said Yusuf Mehdi, executive vice president and consumer chief marketing officer at Microsoft. “Enrolled PCs will continue to receive Critical and Important security updates for Windows 10; however, new features, bug fixes, and technical support will no longer be available from Microsoft.”
The $30 subscription offers a practical alternative for individuals unable to upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware constraints, such as the absence of TPM 2.0 or a CPU released from 2018 onward, or other software limitations.
For those not limited by these hardware or software restrictions, Microsoft is encouraging a transition to Windows 11. “With the Windows 10 End of Support moment, now is the time to move to Windows 11 with confidence,” Mehdi said.
The ESU program has traditionally been available only to businesses and organizations. The program was originally designed to support businesses that need more time to transition from older Windows versions and maintain security standards while planning their upgrade to newer operating systems.
For Windows 10, businesses will be charged $61 for the first year of ESU, with the option to extend support further by paying $122 for a second year and $244 for a third year of updates.