With support for Windows 10 ending in less than a year, users who are hesitant to switch to Windows 11 have a new option: Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) for consumers. For $30, you can extend critical security updates on Windows 10 for an additional year, protecting your PC from new vulnerabilities.
Microsoft has notified users for years that Windows 10 support will officially end on October 14, 2025. After that date, there will be no further updates or security patches, leaving Windows 10 PCs more vulnerable to potential threats.
Although Microsoft initially only offered the ESU plan to businesses, it has now confirmed that consumers can also benefit from this extension. However, unlike the business option, consumers can only purchase one year of support at a flat rate of $30 with no renewal option.
Currently, Windows 10 is still widely used, with over half of Americans (59.1%) relying on it as of September 2024. This upcoming change means millions of PCs may need to upgrade soon, potentially boosting the PC market. While Microsoft is pushing Windows 11 through the Windows 10 update process, some users may still choose to hold off.
If your PC doesn’t meet Windows 11 requirements, buying a new Windows 11 device may be the simplest solution. Another alternative is using third-party services like 0patch, which offer ongoing security support.
For most users, though, delaying an upgrade until Windows 10 support ends could leave their systems exposed. Planning an upgrade sooner rather than later is the safest choice.