Microsoft has recently unveiled a concise guide aimed at helping users prepare for the impending end of support for Windows 10, which is set to occur in approximately one year. The guide highlights several key points, including the introduction of an Extended Security Updates (ESU) subscription, available for a fee of annually. This subscription is designed to keep Windows 10 PCs secure, marking a significant shift as it will now be accessible to both individual consumers and business clients.
Details of the Extended Security Updates Program
The ESU program allows users to receive vital monthly security patches beyond the October 14, 2025 deadline, ensuring that systems remain safeguarded against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. Unlike previous iterations of the ESU, which were exclusively available to commercial clients, this new offering extends its reach to consumers using personal devices.
It is important to note that the subscription will be renewed annually, with updates focusing solely on critical security issues identified by Microsoft’s Security Response Center. After October 2025, no additional features, enhancements, or updates will be provided for Windows 10, underscoring the necessity for users to consider their options moving forward.
For those unable to transition to Windows 11 due to hardware constraints, such as the absence of TPM 2.0, or software limitations, the subscription presents a practical solution. However, Microsoft has yet to disclose comprehensive details regarding the ESU program for individual users, indicating that it will be a one-year offering, with enrollment opening in 2025.
Target Audience and Pricing Structure
The primary audience for the ESU program appears to be organizations managing extensive fleets of PCs or software that cannot accommodate Windows 11. This initiative aims to provide these businesses with additional time—up to three years—to navigate their transition while ensuring continued security.
Beginning November 1, Microsoft will roll out the standard 5-by-5 Extended Security Update (ESU) option on the Volume Licensing price list, with the initial ESU scheduled for release in November 2025. This 5-by-5 activation method requires users to download an activation key and apply it to individual Windows 10 devices that will not be upgraded to Windows 11.
For businesses, the base license is set at per device for the first year, with costs doubling for each subsequent year, extending up to three years. Companies that opt to join in the second year will need to pay for the first year as well, as the ESU fees are cumulative, emphasizing the importance of timely decisions regarding their software strategy.
