Microsoft Announces Paid Extended Security Updates for Windows 10: What You Need to Know

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Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft has announced its plans to offer paid Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10.
  • The ESU program will allow consumers and organizations to continue receiving critical security patches after the planned end of support in October 2025.
  • However, enterprise customers opting for ESUs will not receive new features, non-security updates, or technical support.

Microsoft announced today that it will offer Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESUs) to both consumers and organizations. The company plans to end support for Windows 10 in October 2025 and will no longer release security updates and bug fixes beyond that date.

Microsoft is reminding customers that Windows 10 version 22H2 will receive monthly security updates until October 14, 2025. Companies can opt for the Windows 10 ESU program to pay for critical and important security patches for up to three years. However, customers won’t receive new features, non-security updates, or technical support.

“Like the Windows 7 ESU program, your organization will be able to purchase a yearly subscription to security updates. The yearly commitment is renewable for three years. Devices enrolled in ESUs will receive monthly security updates to keep these Windows 10 PCs secure,” said Jason Leznek, Principal Product Manager for Windows Servicing and Delivery.

Windows 10 continues to dominate Windows 11 in market share

Since its launch, Microsoft has encouraged enterprise customers to upgrade their eligible devices to Windows 11. This latest version of Windows comes with several security features, such as Local Security Authority (LSA) protection and Smart App Control, which help protect customers against security risks and firmware attacks.

It is worth noting that Windows 10 still holds a significant portion of the overall Windows market. This means that companies with thousands of Windows PCs may experience a slow transition to Windows 11. The primary obstacle to slower adoption is the strict minimum hardware requirements for the new operating system. This is causing difficulties for small businesses, education, and the public sector.

Microsoft to Offer Paid Windows 10 Extended Security Updates
Source: Statcounter

What does the Windows 10 Extended Security Update program mean for businesses?

Microsoft understands that some businesses may be unable to upgrade from Windows 10 by its retirement date of October 2025. To help these customers, Microsoft has decided to offer extended security support for a fee, which will allow them to maintain legacy hardware that is difficult to upgrade. However, Microsoft has not yet disclosed the pricing details for the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates plan.

Meanwhile, organizations with devices that are not eligible for Windows 11 can also opt to buy a Windows 365 subscription. This will allow their employees to access Windows 11 on their existing machines. Microsoft will offer free Extended Security Updates to Windows 10 PCs that connect to Windows 365 Cloud PCs. Customers running the operating system on Azure Virtual Desktop will also be eligible to receive these updates at no additional cost.