Microsoft has clarified the pricing for extending Windows 10 through the Extended Security Updates program, a move that mirrors findings from the Neowin reporting channel. The company remains committed to offering continued security updates to users who stay on Windows 10 beyond its standard support window, but with a cost structure tied to ESU participation.
Official support for Windows 10 is scheduled to end on October 14, 2025. After that date, both corporate and casual users can carry on using the OS and receive security patches via ESU, though this will incur charges. For enterprise environments, the price is set at 61 dollars per device per year. The price for extending ESU to regular consumer editions has not been disclosed publicly, leaving some ambiguity for non-enterprise users. [Citation: Microsoft and Neowin coverage]
The ESU offering is described as a three-year program. At the end of that period, participants will be required to cover the fees for the previous years if they decide to continue. Windows 365 subscribers will enjoy ESU access, including the ESU package, at no extra cost for the first year. [Citation: Microsoft policy overview]
Microsoft frames the ESU program as a temporary bridge intended to ease the transition to newer Windows versions, rather than a long-term replacement for upgrading to a current operating system. This framing aligns with expectations that users should migrate to more modern platforms to sustain ongoing support and security updates in the long run. [Citation: Microsoft guidance]
There have been reports that some users have begun moving away from Windows 11 in favor of Windows 10, driven by preferences, compatibility needs, or other considerations. The ESU program is positioned as a compatibility measure during the transition rather than a final solution for staying on Windows 10 forever. [Citation: industry reporting]