When Microsoft said Windows 10 was going to be retired, they weren't joking. But for those clinging to this aging operating system, help doesn't come cheap—or simple. Microsoft recently updated its guidance on the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, a plan designed for die-hard Windows 10 users who aren't quite ready to make the leap to Windows 11. If you're an enterprise customer or just someone nostalgic for Windows 10, grab a seat—this is going to be a bumpy ride.
Microsoft's Extended Security Updates plan is essentially a rescue rope for users who can’t or won't migrate to Windows 11 before Windows 10 breathes its last breath on October 14, 2025. This plan offers security updates for an additional three years at a yearly fee—keyword, fee. Oh, and don’t even think about trying to cherry-pick which year to buy in. The program has a cumulative pricing structure, meaning you’ll pay for all preceding years if you join midway. Ouch.
For perspectives’ sake, a new low-end all-in-one PC or laptop for enterprise workloads could cost less than what you’d pay Microsoft over three years just for keeping support afloat. Enterprises with hundreds—or even thousands—of machines will find themselves facing a massive bill if they hold onto Windows 10.
And it gets better (read: worse). Businesses that procrastinate and try to buy into the ESU program in, say, Year 2, will also need to pay for Year 1 retroactively. Skip forward to Year 3? Brace for a combined three-year dump of fees. Yep, no freebies or discounts for being late.
Here’s the draconian part: If you were hoping to pick and choose which years to stay covered, forget it. Skipping Year 1? You still have to pay for it if you want Year 2. This “cumulative purchase model” means you’re locked into escalating costs, even if you don’t benefit from the program every year.
The good news is Windows 11 adoption rates are climbing. But for IT teams already stretched thin, the ESU program's cost structure may feel like a one-two punch: they’re forced to spend not just on extended security fees but also on entirely new infrastructure.
This means you might pay several hundred dollars over three years yet still be tasked with self-managing driver issues, compatibility snags, or other unexpected bugs. For large organizations without robust internal IT expertise, it’s a risky bet. Even worse, the fact that "technical support isn't included" makes it feel like Microsoft is charging a premium for what should essentially be a baseline service in any paid update plan.
On the enterprise or professional level, this pricing structure essentially screams “migration headache.” Though upgrades often mean technical and organizational pain, switching to Windows 11 (or transitioning staff to cloud-based Windows alternatives like Azure Virtual Desktop) may ultimately be much more cost-effective versus dealing with three years of ESU fees.
Let’s face it: sticking with Windows 10 might feel comforting in the short term, but sooner or later, cold, hard reality (and extensible charges) might make Windows 11 seem a bit cozier. What’s your plan? Share your thoughts and strategies with us in the forum below!
Source: Windows Latest Microsoft explains what is going on with paid Windows 10 updates plans
The TL;DR Version You Didn’t Know You Needed
Microsoft's Extended Security Updates plan is essentially a rescue rope for users who can’t or won't migrate to Windows 11 before Windows 10 breathes its last breath on October 14, 2025. This plan offers security updates for an additional three years at a yearly fee—keyword, fee. Oh, and don’t even think about trying to cherry-pick which year to buy in. The program has a cumulative pricing structure, meaning you’ll pay for all preceding years if you join midway. Ouch.How Do the Costs Break Down?
For enterprise users, the cost of keeping Windows 10 alive looks like this:- Year 1 (2025-2026): $61 per device
- Year 2 (2026–2027): $122 per device
- Year 3 (2027–2028): $244 per device
For perspectives’ sake, a new low-end all-in-one PC or laptop for enterprise workloads could cost less than what you’d pay Microsoft over three years just for keeping support afloat. Enterprises with hundreds—or even thousands—of machines will find themselves facing a massive bill if they hold onto Windows 10.
And it gets better (read: worse). Businesses that procrastinate and try to buy into the ESU program in, say, Year 2, will also need to pay for Year 1 retroactively. Skip forward to Year 3? Brace for a combined three-year dump of fees. Yep, no freebies or discounts for being late.
ESU Rules: No Flexibility for Most
Microsoft isn’t pulling punches with how ESU works—it’s their way or the highway. Big corporations may technically get the option to keep Windows 10 alive, but only on Microsoft's demanding terms.Here’s the draconian part: If you were hoping to pick and choose which years to stay covered, forget it. Skipping Year 1? You still have to pay for it if you want Year 2. This “cumulative purchase model” means you’re locked into escalating costs, even if you don’t benefit from the program every year.
The Silver Lining (for Some)
Amid this sea of high-priced doom, Microsoft has thrown a bone to two specific groups:- Education users: Schools and other educational institutions can get the ESU for mind-blowingly low prices—just $1, $2, and $4 for the three years, respectively.
- Home users: On consumer Windows 10 editions, support is available for a single year at $30 per device. But after the first year? That’s the end of the road—there are no extensions beyond the initial offering. Home users must seriously start planning their migration to Windows 11.
Why Is Microsoft Doing This?
To be blunt, Microsoft has been clear in its efforts to phase out Windows 10. The ESU program, while billed as "support," is also a heavy-handed incentive to get users to upgrade to Windows 11—or invest in new hardware equipped for the demanding system requirements of Windows 11. If you’re on Windows 10 and handling massive compatibility challenges (we're looking at you, enterprises), this is Microsoft's tough-love approach to pushing you forward.The good news is Windows 11 adoption rates are climbing. But for IT teams already stretched thin, the ESU program's cost structure may feel like a one-two punch: they’re forced to spend not just on extended security fees but also on entirely new infrastructure.
But Wait, There’s (Not Much) More
Let’s talk quality-of-life improvements—or lack thereof. The ESU program strictly handles security patches. Forget technical support; you’re entirely on your own if critical issues arise.This means you might pay several hundred dollars over three years yet still be tasked with self-managing driver issues, compatibility snags, or other unexpected bugs. For large organizations without robust internal IT expertise, it’s a risky bet. Even worse, the fact that "technical support isn't included" makes it feel like Microsoft is charging a premium for what should essentially be a baseline service in any paid update plan.
The Case for Upgrading or Moving On
Microsoft's rigid pricing here seems designed to make any extended use of Windows 10 financially uncomfortable—unless you absolutely need it. For the average user or even small business owner, paying $30 or more for a few months of extra security is fine—but still doesn’t include critical fixes or usability enhancements.On the enterprise or professional level, this pricing structure essentially screams “migration headache.” Though upgrades often mean technical and organizational pain, switching to Windows 11 (or transitioning staff to cloud-based Windows alternatives like Azure Virtual Desktop) may ultimately be much more cost-effective versus dealing with three years of ESU fees.
Expert Takeaways: What Should Windows 10 Users Do?
If you’re feeling trapped, here are some actionable insights:- Begin migration plans now. Waiting until the last minute will almost guarantee a messier, more expensive transition.
- Weigh the alternatives. If your hardware is near replacement age, skipping ESU entirely and going straight to a new device makes financial sense—even for cash-strapped organizations.
- Enterprise workaround tip: If you need time for a staggered migration, consider purchasing ESU for just one year to buy some breathing room without plunging into the second year’s higher costs.
- Consumers: Unless you absolutely must hold onto Windows 10 due to software or driver dependencies, now is the time to embrace change. Avoid ESU altogether if you can help it and transition as soon as possible.
TL;DR of the TL;DR
Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 come with substantial costs—both literal and operational. While education users and home licenses get slightly less demanding pricing models, enterprise customers are unlikely to find relief. But it’s all part of Microsoft’s grand plan: transition users to Windows 11 ecosystems while ensuring legacy holdouts pay dearly for their resistance.Let’s face it: sticking with Windows 10 might feel comforting in the short term, but sooner or later, cold, hard reality (and extensible charges) might make Windows 11 seem a bit cozier. What’s your plan? Share your thoughts and strategies with us in the forum below!
Source: Windows Latest Microsoft explains what is going on with paid Windows 10 updates plans
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