Prepare or Pay: Microsoft Sets Prices for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates

Windows update hero image

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft has disclosed the pricing structure for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10.
  • Businesses have the option to choose ESU licenses priced at $61 per device for the first year, with costs doubling annually thereafter.
  • The Windows 10 ESU program offers organizations a temporary solution to keep their devices protected beyond the end of support in October 2025.

Microsoft has unveiled the pricing details for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) as Windows 10 approaches its end of support in October 2025. This Windows 10 ESU program offers organizations and consumers a means to protect their devices if they’re not yet prepared to upgrade to Windows 11.

Microsoft notes that commercial customers will have different ways to get Windows 10 Extended Security Updates. The first one is the 5-by-5 activation method, which enables businesses to purchase ESU licenses for each Windows 10 device they plan to use after the end of support date next year.

Organizations will be required to pay $61 per device for the first year of security updates. The cost will increase to $122 for the second year, and then $244 for the third year. If customers join the ESU program in year three, they will also be charged for the previous two years of security updates. Microsoft has not yet announced the ESU pricing for consumers.

“Extended Security Updates are not intended to be a long-term solution but rather a temporary bridge,” Microsoft explained. “You can purchase ESU licenses for Windows 10 devices that you don’t plan to upgrade to Windows 11 starting in October 2024, one year before the end of support date.”

Microsoft offers discounted Windows 10 Extended Security Updates for select customers

Microsoft is offering enterprise customers a couple of options to receive these updates. Organizations that have a Windows 365 subscription and connect to Windows 11 Cloud PCs on a local Windows 10 device will be eligible to receive Extended Security Updates at no additional cost.

Additionally, Microsoft is providing a 25% discount to customers who choose to use a cloud-based update management tool, such as Intune or Windows Autopatch. This offer will reduce the license cost to $45 per user for the first year.

Windows 10 continues to dominate Windows 11

According to StatCounter, the market share of Windows 10 increased to 69 percent while Windows 11 declined to 29 percent in March 2024. It’s worth noting that Windows 11 had strict minimum hardware requirements, which prevented thousands of Windows 10 users from upgrading. Consequently, many enterprise customers may have to bear the cost of security updates beyond October 14, 2025.

Microsoft has committed to offering Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10 devices for a maximum of three years. The company advises business customers to upgrade their devices to Windows 11 to continue receiving new features, non-security patches, and technical support.