Windows 10’s extended support starts at $61 per device, Microsoft reveals new details

What just happened? As the clock ticks down to the official end of support for Windows 10 this October, Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade to its latest operating system, Windows 11. But, as promised, it is also offering a path to those who wish to stick with the familiar Windows 10 environment. The problem? That path has turned out to be an expensive one.

In a recently updated support document, Microsoft has revealed new details about its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10. This program aims to provide critical security updates for users who are not ready to make the leap to Windows 11. However, this extended support comes at a price, which may cause some organizations to reconsider their IT strategies.

The ESU program will be available for devices running Windows 10 version 22H2, with costs starting at $61 per device for the first year of coverage, from November 2025 to November 2026 for enterprise and education customers. The price is set to increase to $122 for the second year, and $244 in the third – doubling every year.

Microsoft is also introducing ESUs for personal use for the first time. It will cost users $30 to continue receiving Critical and Important security updates for Windows 10 after the October 14 date. However, consumers will only be eligible to receive a single year of these updates. Microsoft notes that new features, bug fixes, and technical support will not be included in the program.

It’s a pricing structure that seems designed to encourage eventual migration to Windows 11, rather than indefinite reliance on an aging operating system.

The update confirms that the ESU program is cumulative, meaning that if an organization joins in the second year, it will be required to pay for the previous year’s coverage as well. However, Microsoft has thrown some users a bone: Windows 10 virtual machines running in Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop will receive ESUs at no additional charge, a benefit for organizations heavily invested in Microsoft’s cloud services.

The company emphasizes that while Windows 10 PCs will continue to function after the end-of-support date, upgrading to Windows 11 is strongly recommended for “the best, most secure computing experience.”

But user adoption tells a different story. According to the latest data from Statcounter, Windows 10 continues to dominate the market with a 60.37 percent share of Windows installations. Windows 11, despite Microsoft’s efforts, has only recently seen an uptick in adoption, reaching 36.6 percent in January 2025. This represents a notable increase from 34.12 percent the previous month, which is likely driven by the impending end of Windows 10 support.

The narrowing gap between Windows 10 and Windows 11 usage is likely a welcome sight for Microsoft’s OS team. However, the persistence of Windows 10’s market dominance highlights Microsoft’s challenges in convincing users to embrace the change.

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