As the clock ticks down to October 14, 2025, Microsoft has unveiled its plan for Windows 10's future. The tech giant is offering consumers a chance to extend their Windows 10 security support for an additional year, but it comes with a price tag of $30.
The End of an Era
Windows 10, a staple operating system for millions of users worldwide, is reaching its end of support date. This means that after October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide regular security updates, potentially leaving users vulnerable to new cyber threats.
A New Option for Consumers
In an unprecedented move, Microsoft is extending an offer to individual users. For $30, consumers can purchase a one-year Extended Security Update (ESU) package. This will ensure that their Windows 10 systems continue to receive critical security patches throughout 2026.
Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft's executive vice president and consumer chief marketing officer, clarified that while enrolled PCs will receive important security updates, they won't get new features, bug fixes, or technical support from Microsoft.
Business Users Face Higher Costs
For business users, the pricing structure is different. Companies can opt for up to three years of extended support, with costs increasing each year. The first year is priced at $61 per device, rising to $122 for the second year, and $244 for the third.
The Push Towards Windows 11
While offering this extension, Microsoft is strongly encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11. The company emphasizes that now is the ideal time to make the switch, touting Windows 11's enhanced features and security measures.
However, this transition isn't straightforward for everyone. Many older PCs may not meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11, which includes support for TPM security chips and relatively recent CPUs.
A Confusing Landscape
Adding to the complexity, Microsoft has recently reopened its beta program for Windows 10, testing new features for an OS that's supposedly nearing its end of life. This move has puzzled many in the tech community and could potentially extend Windows 10's lifespan beyond current expectations.
Looking Ahead
As we approach 2025, Windows users face a choice: upgrade to Windows 11, pay for extended security on Windows 10, or risk using an unsupported operating system. With millions of PCs still running Windows 10, this decision will have far-reaching implications for personal and business computing landscapes worldwide.