Microsoft sets prices for Windows 10 security support

On 14 October 2025, Microsoft will end support for the Windows 10 operating system.

Here's What We Know

Under the new rules, users who want to continue to use Windows 10 safely after this date will have to pay annual fees for extended security updates (ESUs). Prices set for commercial organisations start at $61 per device for the first year.

After the user pays $61 for the first year of support, the price doubles in the second year, reaching $122, and then doubles again in the third year, to $244. It is also worth noting that if users continue to participate in the ESU programme after the second year, they will have to pay for the first year again.

Schools will receive special conditions, in particular, the first year of support will cost only $1 per device, which subsequently increases to $2 in the second year and $4 in the third year. However, prices for consumers have not yet been specified, and information on this is promised to be released later.

Another option for users is to upgrade to Windows 11. However, not all computers can meet the requirements for the new operating system, making this solution unattainable for many. According to StatCounter, Windows 10 is still used by 69% of users, compared to only 27% of Windows 11.

Microsoft emphasises that the enhanced security updates are a temporary, not a long-term solution. However, the company also offers discounts for users who use Microsoft's cloud-based solutions, such as Intune or Windows Autopatch.

Source: The Verge