Microsoft will not support Windows 10 or provide updates after October 14th 2025
Windows 10 End Of Support does not mean that Windows 10 will stop working. However, although Windows 10 will continue to function after that date, the lack of updates (including security updates) will make it more and more vulnerable, as time goes by, to attack by hackers and virus/malware writers.
ESU
One of the options you have is to purchase “Extended Security Updates (ESU)”, but it’s not as straightforward as it might be.
When Microsoft first announced the ESU, it appeared that you could continue to receive updates (for Windows 10 only – not any other Microsoft products) for up to three years after October 2025 if you were prepared to pay a price that doubled every year.
The current expected price of that route is:
- Year 1: $61 USD per device
- Year 2: $122 USD per device (doubles the Year 1 price)
- Year 3: $244 USD per device (doubles the Year 2 price)
It’s important to note that the ESU for commercial licences is cumulative; if you decide to purchase it in Year 2, you will also need to have paid for Year 1.
Home Users’ ESU – a temporary solution to Windows 10 End of Support
However, if you are a normal, home, user or anyone else who bought their PC with Windows 10 included (with an OEM licence) then that route is no longer available as that three year route is now only going to be available for commercial, volume, licences.
Even if your Windows 10 is the ”Pro” version (rather than the “Home” version), you would still be classified by Microsoft as a “consumer” and not able to sign up for the three year route.
The Home PC version of the ESU extends updates for just one year at an expected price of $30 USD per device. Microsoft typically sets regional pricing, so the price in the UK and elsewhere may vary and may not be a direct exchange rate conversion.
Caveats
Before you decide that putting off replacing your machine for a year at a cost of £24-£30 makes sense for you, there are some things that it is important to note:
- You can expect Microsoft to make the ESU for consumers available for a single year only. It is not a long term solution.
- The ESU only covers updates to the Windows 10 operating system. You will not receive updates to Microsoft 365 programs as those updates are only available for what Microsoft classifies as “current” operating systems – ie Windows 11. So, you would probably be very upset if your Microsoft 365 subscription renews in September, but in October Microsoft ceases to support the programs in it.
- If you were to decide not to renew your Microsoft 365 subscription for the duration of your ESU, your OneDrive data goes through a series of “states” before Microsoft deletes it. You can expect to be able to access and download the data for 90 days. After that, Microsoft would bin it, but they would almost certainly give you several warnings before doing so.
So, the ESU is just one option open to you if you don’t want to write off your Windows 10 machine just yet, but even that one option can take a bit of thinking about.
For a detailed description of what happens if your Microsoft 365 subscription expires, see nextperimeter.com
For more information on ESU and alternatives for Windows 10 users, see zdnet
Disclaimer
The pricing information provided in this post is based on the latest available announcements and reports as of 07/05/2025. While I have aimed for accuracy, it’s always a good idea to check Microsoft’s official website or your Microsoft licensing representative for the most up-to-date and precise pricing details for your specific situation and region.
David Leonard wrote this post with substantial input and verification from Gemini on 07/05/2025
