Microsoft Announces $30 Fee for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates
Microsoft has revealed plans to charge consumers $30 for a year of Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10, as the operating system’s official support is set to end on October 14, 2025. The tech giant has also outlined a tiered pricing model for businesses, with costs increasing each year.
Under the ESU program, enrolled PCs will receive Critical and Important security updates. However, users should note that no new features, bug fixes, or technical support will be provided. Microsoft plans to make enrollment available closer to the end of support in 2025.
For businesses, the ESU pricing structure starts at $61 for the first year, doubles to $122 for the second year, and reaches $244 for the third year. In contrast, consumers are limited to purchasing only a single year of extended support.
Despite offering this extension, Microsoft strongly encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11 instead of opting for ESU. However, the transition to Windows 11 comes with its own set of challenges. The newer operating system requires more recent hardware, supporting only CPUs from 2018 onward and devices with TPM security chips.
These stringent requirements have contributed to a slower adoption rate for Windows 11 compared to its predecessor. Nevertheless, Windows 11 did briefly claim the title of the most popular OS for PC gaming on Steam in August, indicating growing acceptance among certain user groups.
Despite the push towards Windows 11, Windows 10 usage is expected to remain strong through 2025 and beyond. In a surprising move, Microsoft has reopened its beta program for Windows 10, testing new features and improvements. This decision appears to contradict earlier statements about ending major updates for Windows 10 in 2023.
As the 2025 deadline approaches, users and businesses will need to weigh their options carefully, considering factors such as hardware compatibility, security needs, and budget constraints when deciding between upgrading to Windows 11 or extending the life of Windows 10 through the ESU program.
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