As the clock ticks down to October 2025, a significant shift looms for Windows 10 users. With the end of new security updates on the horizon, Microsoft has outlined its strategy for both consumers and enterprises.
Extended Security Updates for Businesses and Schools
For businesses and educational institutions, Microsoft is offering a lifeline in the form of extended security updates (ESU) that can last up to three years beyond the official end date. However, this comes with a tiered pricing structure that escalates annually, encouraging a transition to the more recent Windows 11.
In contrast, individual users will find their options considerably more limited. Microsoft has confirmed that consumers will only have access to a single year of extended security updates for their Windows 10 PCs, priced at per device. This decision effectively sidelines the second and third years of updates, which remain exclusive to business and educational clients.
For those who possess older yet still functional PCs, the fee may appear as a cost-effective alternative to investing in a new machine. This price point is notably lower than the charged to businesses for each of their Windows 10 PCs seeking to maintain support. However, this arrangement leaves home users contemplating their next steps if they wish to extend the life of their Windows 10 systems beyond the initial year of support.
Microsoft has indicated that consumers can expect to enroll in the ESU program “closer to the end of support in 2025,” providing a window for planning and decision-making. As the deadline approaches, users will need to weigh their options carefully, balancing the cost of updates against the potential necessity of upgrading to newer hardware or software solutions.
