Windows 10 will end in less than a year, October 14, 2025according to the official calendar established by Microsoft for the support of its operating systems. However, the company has just announced an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for consumers to extend its use for another year.

Reconfirming, in case anyone was in doubt, that Windows 10’s end of life (as well as other previous systems) It’s a business measure, not a technical one.. Windows 10 could last a lot longer, and in fact tens of millions of users who don’t want Windows 11 are still using it routinely. Of course, despite the fact that Microsoft continues to recommend its customers to migrate to Windows 11 as part of a free upgrade. If you want to stay on Windows, that’s understandable, as there are alternatives to consider.

How much does it cost to extend the life of Windows 10?

The Windows 10 Extended Security program for end users follows on from the program announced in the spring for organizations and enterprises. There have been doubts about extending the ESU to consumers, but perhaps the situation calls for it. Windows 10’s market share is still huge, because Windows 11 is a nightmare that few people want to jump into, and when they (we) do, it’s only out of obligation.

Get to the point. The Consumer Enhanced Security Update Program will cost $30 a year. Or more accurately, that’s what it will cost to support for one year, the maximum Microsoft will offer to consumers compared to the three years it offers to companies. Obviously, these need more time to plan and transition to Windows 11.

clear it up ESU is not a technical support programnor does it include new features, functions, quality or design changes to the operating system and is limited to providing monthly security updates. On that note, let’s say that Microsoft will also continue to provide security updates for Microsoft Defender antivirus until at least October 2028.

Of course, as with companies, Microsoft insists on recommending an upgrade to Windows 11 and qualifies this ESU as temporary help to give them more time to complete the migration. Are you interested in this program to extend the life of Windows 10? Or is it another fix to avoid addressing the pressing need for Windows 12, which is – in fact – what Windows 11 wasn’t? It’s up to you.