Microsoft will allow consumers to pay for Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 when support for the operating system ends in 2025. Normally, the software giant only offers paid security updates to organizations that need to continue using older versions, but now it plans to offer them to individuals for the first time through an annual subscription instead of extending Windows 10’s end-of-support date.
While we recommend upgrading to Windows 11, we understand that there are circumstances that may prevent you from replacing Windows 10 devices before the end of support. That’s why Microsoft offers advanced security updates. The ESU app for Windows 10 includes critical and/or important security updates. ESU does not include new features, non-security updates, or design change requests. Technical support outside the ESU program is also not provided.
– From the Microsoft blog.
Windows 10’s end of support date is October 14, 2025, just over 10 years after release. Many expected Microsoft to continue supporting Windows 10, partly because it is still widely used and there is a big gap between Windows 10 and Windows 11. Therefore, it is surprising that Microsoft offers the same ESU program that is available for businesses to ordinary users, reports The Verge.
Windows 11 was released 2 years ago, but Windows 10 is still the most popular
More details from Microsoft, including pricing, will be provided at a later date.
It’s a surprise move that comes just weeks after Microsoft announced it was “rethinking” its approach to Windows 10. Microsoft is adding AI-powered Copilot to Windows 10 and is making “additional investments” that could include more in the future artificial intelligence functions It is highly recommended to have the latest security updates for them to work.
