By October 14, 2025, Microsoft intends to stop supporting Windows 10. However, for individuals who would like to keep using the older operating system, Extended Security Updates (ESU) will still be available. Users will need to pay $61 for the first year of the ESU membership, which will double to $122 in the second year, and $244 in the third. Both individuals and companies must pay this price, and each Windows 10 device need its own ESU license.

What to do if Windows 10 stops receiving security updates?

Microsoft's ESU subscriptions are primarily aimed at businesses that must support earlier Windows versions, although they are also available to individual users. 

Businesses who utilize Microsoft cloud-based update solutions, such as Windows Autopatch or Intune, can also receive a 25% reduction, bringing the first year's cost down to $45 per user. Security update costs for customers connecting Windows 10 devices to Windows 11 Cloud PCs through Windows 365 will not apply because licenses are included of the Windows 365 subscription price. With a $1 license price in the first year, climbing to $2 in the second year, and rising to $4 in the third year, schools will receive a substantial discount.

Microsoft highlights that ESUs are only a stopgap measure and advises customers to switch to Windows 11. Strict hardware requirements for Windows11, such as the necessity for CPUs launched after 2018 and TPM security processors, provide obstacles for many customers trying to make this switch.

According to StatCounter statistics, 69% of Windows users are still using Windows 10, indicating that Windows 11 adoption has been slower than that of its predecessor. If Microsoft doesn't bridge this gap in the next 18 months, a significant number of Windows 10 customers would be forced to pay for security updates.

Ultimately, Microsoft's choice to provide ESUs for Windows 10 indicates that it recognizes a sizeable portion of the user base that continues to rely on the outdated OS, even if it is clearly pushing for a long-term switch to Windows 11.