Microsoft will require payment for Windows 10 updates

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 starting October 2025, and users will have to pay for updates annually . For companies, the cost of an ESU license starts at $61 for the first year. Information on prices for private consumers will be published later.

Tech Apr 4, 2024 0 100 Add to Reading List

Microsoft will require payment for Windows 10 updates

For the first time, Microsoft has outlined the cost of optional system security updates for Windows 10. Starting October 14, 2025, consumers will be required to purchase ESU licenses for all devices running this OS.

For the commercial sector, the first year fee will be $61. In the second year the cost doubles to $122, and in the third year it doubles again to $244. However, Microsoft offers a 25% discount for companies that use cloud solutions such as Intune or Windows Autopatch.

If the user decides to join the ESU program from the second year, he will have to pay for the first one. Information on prices for private consumers will be published later.

Previously, Microsoft provided security update subscriptions only to commercial organizations that continued to use older versions of the OS. However, this time the situation is different as Windows 10 is used by many users.

Microsoft's blog notes that the security updates are intended to be temporary. The company's goal is to transition users to Windows 11. However, many devices cannot be officially updated due to Microsoft's stricter hardware requirements and security measures.

Windows 11 is only supported on processors released since 2018 and on devices that support TPM security chips.