Windows 10 Is Going Away
Extended Security Updates: Your Options
Microsoft's Extended Security Updates program was originally designed for enterprise customers, but for Windows 10, it’s being made available to individual users as well.
You now have two main options if you want to stay on Windows 10 past its official support end date:
Free Updates Through Microsoft Accounts (With Strings Attached): Microsoft is offering free ESUs for some Windows 10 users, particularly those who log in with a Microsoft account and allow telemetry and cloud integration features like OneDrive, Edge, and Microsoft 365 integration. While this is a generous offer, it does come with privacy trade-offs and may not be suitable for users with more restrictive security requirements.
Paid Updates ($30 per Year): For users who don’t want to enable Microsoft cloud features or who use Windows in a professional or disconnected environment, Microsoft is offering a more traditional paid ESU plan—starting at $30 per year per device. This provides peace of mind with minimal strings attached, ensuring you get critical security patches through at least October 2028.
Why Staying on Windows 10 Isn’t Ideal — But May Be Necessary If You’ve Delayed
Let’s be clear: Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 aren’t a long-term solution—they’re a safety net. If you’re still running Windows 10 in 2025, it likely means you've put off upgrading longer than you should have. Whether it's due to hardware limitations, budget constraints, or just procrastination, the reality is that this option exists to buy you a little more time, not to encourage you to keep using an outdated OS indefinitely.
Here’s why some users might need to rely on ESUs:
- You’re Stuck with Legacy Hardware: If your current PC doesn’t meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements—like TPM 2.0 or newer CPUs—you might not be able to upgrade without replacing your device. That’s understandable, but still something you’ll need to address soon.
- You Haven’t Budgeted for a Replacement: Organizations and individuals that didn’t plan ahead may find themselves scrambling to update systems or find room in the budget for new hardware.
- You Need More Time to Migrate Critical Software or Workflows: If you’re relying on legacy software or workflows that haven’t been tested on Windows 11, the ESU program gives you a short grace period to adapt.
But Let’s Be Honest: Windows 11 Is the Future
While ESUs buy you time, Windows 11 is clearly where Microsoft is investing its resources. Here’s why making the move is ultimately the better long-term choice:
Ongoing Support and Updates: Windows 11 gets regular feature and security updates without added cost or complexity.
Improved Security: Windows 11 requires modern hardware with built-in security features like TPM 2.0 and VBS (Virtualization-Based Security), which make it much more resilient to modern threats.
Modern User Interface and Features: From better window snapping to native Android app support and AI integration with Copilot, Windows 11 is designed for productivity and future compatibility.
Final Thoughts
If you're not ready to move to Windows 11 yet, Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 are a valuable option—especially with the free tier now available to personal users. But ESUs are a short-term solution, not a permanent fix. Use the extra time wisely: assess your hardware, back up your data, and plan your move to Windows 11. The future of Windows—and your security—depends on it.