Today, Microsoft stated that when Windows 10 expires in October 2025, it would begin an extended security update program (Windows 10 ESU). For customers who are willing to pay for it, Microsoft will extend OS support for an additional three years after the 2025 deadline, much like the Windows 7 ESU program.
Highlights
- Microsoft has released Windows 10 ESU (Extended Support Update).
- After Windows 10’s end-of-support date, users will still be able to purchase monthly security updates through the ESU program.
- October 2025 will mark the end of support for Windows 10.
Microsoft And Its Windows 10 ESU
The ESU program was previously only available to Microsoft’s business clients; however, the corporation is now making it available to all users for the first time. This indicates that users of Windows 10 for personal computers who choose not to upgrade to Windows 11 will be allowed to continue paying for support after October 2025.
Pricing details have not yet been disclosed by the company, but according to a support document released today, corporations and individual customers will be able to join up for an annual subscription:
“If you are an individual consumer or an organization who elects to continue using Windows 10 after support ends on October 14, 2025, you will have the option of enrolling your PC in the paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. The ESU program enables PCs to continue to receive Critical and Important security updates through an annual subscription service after support ends. More details including pricing will be provided at a later date. The ESU program provides individual consumers and organizations of all sizes with the option to extend the use of Windows 10 PCs past the end of support date in a more secure manner.”- Document States!
Microsoft claims that it is still committed to the October 14, 2025, end-of-support date for Windows 10 and has no intentions to extend it. Accordingly, users of Windows 10 will either have to pay for security updates every month beginning in November 2025, or else run the risk of being exposed to flaws and unpatched vulnerabilities that are found after support ends.
What Services Microsoft Will Bring Under Windows 10 ESU
Microsoft has made it plain that the ESU program is just for security upgrades; as a result, after October 2025, the operating system won’t receive any new features. The main purpose of the ESU program is to assist businesses whose fleet of Windows 10 computers cannot be upgraded before support expires.
Users won’t be compelled to pay for this membership, of course. After October 2025, Windows 10 will still function normally; unless you enroll in Microsoft’s extended support program, it won’t receive any further security updates.
Microsoft has also revealed that enterprise clients would be able to “transform” Windows 10 PCs that are not qualified for Windows 11 into a Windows 365 machine that can receive Windows 11 via cloud streaming, in addition to the ESU program. As part of the Windows 365 subscription, these devices will be automatically registered in the ESU program at no additional cost.
Please note that Windows 365 is not presently offered as a consumer subscription service. This option is only accessible for commercial clients.
How Long Can You Use Windows 10 After ESU Update
On October 14, 2025, the firm will no longer be offering “bug fixes for issues, security fixes for vulnerabilities, time zone updates, or technical support for problems that might occur,” as it has already stated that it will be ending support for Windows 10.
Microsoft stated that although it is urging users to upgrade to Windows 11 with compatible devices or purchase new computers, it is aware that certain situations may prohibit them from doing so before Windows 10’s end of life.
Customers will be able to purchase an annual subscription to security updates for Windows 10 for up to three years after Microsoft stops supporting the operating system in 2025, much like what it did for Windows 7.
User’s Response
The news has received varied reactions from the Reddit community. While some customers express anxiety about the increased financial load, others see it as a logical evolution of Microsoft’s service model. Additionally, this announcement has increased interest in Linux and other alternative operating systems. Linux is becoming a more attractive alternative for people who need Windows apps but want to get away from the Windows environment thanks to compatibility layers like Wine and Proton.
The transition of Windows 10 upgrades to a paid subscription model has sparked interest in Linux once again as a possible substitute. As Linux is renowned for its dependability, security, and open-source design, this can present Linux an advantage. Particularly noteworthy is the advancement of programs like Wine and Proton, which let users run Windows programs on Linux. Because of the major improvements made to these tools, customers who depend on specific Windows applications may find the switch to Linux less intimidating.
Way Forward
Microsoft’s action may indicate a more significant change in the operating system market. Open-source substitutes may grow more popular as consumers become more conscious of the expenses connected with proprietary software. Consumers may ultimately profit from this trend if it increases innovation and competition in the operating system market.