As the clock ticks down to the end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025, Microsoft has unveiled the costs associated with extending updates for both organizations and individual users. For businesses, the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program comes with a hefty price tag, reaching up to 7 per device for a three-year extension. This announcement, made six months ago, has set the stage for a significant shift in how companies manage their operating systems.
Windows 10: ESU for home users
In a more recent update, Microsoft has clarified the options available for home users seeking to extend their support. The details, somewhat obscured within a lengthy post, indicate that individual users can secure an additional year of updates for a modest fee of . This offer stands in stark contrast to the three-year commitment required from businesses.
The details:
- Home users may extend support for just 12 months.
- The price is .
Unlike their corporate counterparts, home users are limited to a single year of extended support, a decision that Microsoft has made to ensure that the program is strictly for personal use. The company states, “And for the first time ever, we’re introducing an ESU program for personal use as well. The ESU program for consumers will be a one-year option available for . Program enrollment will be available closer to the end of support in 2025.”
This limitation has raised eyebrows, especially considering Windows 10’s continued dominance in the market. The relatively high cost for business ESU and the one-year cap for home users may deter many from opting into the program, further fueling Microsoft’s push for users to transition to Windows 11.
Interestingly, customers with education licenses benefit from a significantly lower pricing structure. Microsoft has set the fees at for the first year, for the second, and for the third, totaling just for three years of additional security updates.
There is another option
For those seeking alternatives, a promising option has emerged from the micro-patching service, 0Patch. For approximately per year, this service offers security patches for Windows 10 even after official support has ended. Notably, the subscription price remains stable, with 0Patch committing to support Windows 10 until at least 2030.
Microsoft’s decision to restrict extended security updates to a single year for home users has left many feeling disappointed. This move impacts a substantial number of Windows 10 users, particularly:
- Those utilizing devices that do not meet the requirements for Windows 11.
- Those who prefer the familiarity of Windows 10 over the newer version.
With millions of devices still running Windows 10, the limitations imposed by Microsoft may pose challenges for users looking to upgrade. Although it is technically feasible to bypass the requirement checks for Windows 11, this process is complex and subject to change as Microsoft updates its policies.
As the launch of the first consumer-focused ESU program approaches, the effectiveness of Microsoft’s communication strategy will be crucial. Will the company actively promote this option to users still on Windows 10, or will it remain hidden within the depths of the Microsoft website?
What is your take on the news? Do you plan to sign up for the program to get extended support? Feel free to leave a comment down below.
