Microsoft wants 30 dollars from you to keep Windows 10 secure for a full year after it is put to pasture

Microsoft will end its official support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. If you don't want to upgrade to Windows 11, you can get the critical security updates for a year at a fee.

The Windows Blog revealed that the Extended Security Updates program (ESU) will be available to consumers for the very first time. This was a service that was previously only available to businesses. It allowed those with older machines to get security updates without having Windows 11 installed immediately.

Microsoft will no longer provide updates to address security concerns such as technical issues and malware.

The ESU program allows you to pay $30 for an annual subscription. This will be available "closer" to the end of the support in 2025.

A business may not upgrade because their digital systems are based on an operating system they don't have the time to change. This is not the only reason why a business might not upgrade.

Windows 11 is currently limited to rigs with a Trusted Platform module (TPM). Microsoft's AI tool Copilot requires 16 GB DDR5 RAM and a compatible processor. It also requires 256 GB SSD storage. Flyby11 and Rufus are two ways to get around the Windows 11 requirements.

If you have a little bit of technical knowledge, there isn't really much reason to not upgrade, unless, of course, you prefer the look and feel of Windows 10 or you don't like the implementation of Copilot. (I feel your pain).

Microsoft has stated that "Extended Security updates are not intended as a long-term fix but rather a temporary solution."

Businesses that apply for ESUs will be playing exponentially more every year.

The price will double each year for a maximum period of three years. If you decide to join the program in Year Two you will have to pay for both Years One and Two as ESUs are cumulative.

It's not cheap, but at least you can keep Windows 10 secure for now without relying solely on community solutions or a cybersecurity guide.