Microsoft wants you to pay to get Windows 10 security updates after its end of support

Microsoft has announced Windows 10’s end of support date. It will be set on October 14, 2025, just 10 years after its release. Then, after that date, you may need to pay a bit of money to get Windows 10 security updates (more specifically the ESU, or Extended Security Updates).

In an updated blog post, the Redmond-based tech giant says that it will offer paid security updates for Windows 10 after the operating system stops receiving support in 2025. Technical support is also not available with the ESU program. 

“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” says Microsoft.

This is the first time Microsoft will offer paid security updates to individuals. The ESU program for Windows 10 will then only include critical security updates, not new features or design changes. 

Windows 10 still has over a billion users, and with the hotly-anticipated Copilot AI assistance tool coming to the operating system, it would be hard for Microsoft to let it go for good.