We already know how much we will have to pay to continue updating it.

The countdown has begun. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. This means that in just under a year, all users who are still using this operating system will stop receiving security updates. The main consequence of this scenario will be greater exposure to threats circulating on the Internet.

In this case, we will have at our disposal a solution that until now has only been available to corporate users: pay to continue receiving updates. This is the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which will allow us to extend the life of the operating system exceptionally, but for a certain time.

ESU pricing for Windows 10

Until now, Microsoft announced that an annual ESU license would cost $61. for business clients. This led many to intuit that the Redmond-based company would keep the same price for other users, but that’s not the case. Non-corporate customers wishing to join the program must pay a reduced fee.

We are talking about 30 dollars, which will be paid one time. In exchange, we will get access to an extended update program, but only for a period of one year. What does it mean? Essentially, we won’t be able to pay another $30 to renew our license and continue to receive security updates in Windows 10.

Enterprise users who start at $61 per year can extend their stay by maximum term three years. This also has its price. The cost of the license will double every year. And, if that wasn’t enough, if they decide to enroll in a second year, they will also have to pay for the first year.

Microsoft’s message is very clear: it wants users to switch to Windows 11. But it’s not that easy either. The barrier to entry into a new operating system is too high for some users, mainly in terms of hardware requirements. And it’s not as simple as adding more RAM; the requirements this time are much more significant.

Many processors are not included in the Windows 11 compatibility equation. Additionally, computers must have TPM 2.0 installed. According to calculations made a year ago, there were about 400 million computers which could not be upgraded to Windows 11, which would force their owners to buy new computers.

Images | Microsoft

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