Microsoft Windows 10 does retire soon and will reach the end of life (EOL) phase in October 2025. Users who want to stay on it can still use an unupdated copy, albeit without the crucial updates. To help users with this, Microsoft is releasing extended security updates for Windows 10, but this time also for consumers.
Commercial customers, companies and individual consumers who want it keep using Windows 10 will have to register for this ESU program. Individuals who wish to participate in the program must pay a fee annual subscription fee.
Everyone enrolled in Windows 10’s ESU program will receive all the important and critical information security updates. Once enrolled, users can continue for the next three years.
This is detailed in Microsoft’s life cycle policy for operating systems. As mentioned above, ESU stands for ‘Extended security update,” and this program was present when Windows 7 was also retired.
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With an ESU-compatible Windows 10 environment, users can continue to have a reliable operating system without any new features (except Second pilot). Microsoft also makes it clear that the ESU program will only bring security updates. There are no new features in the pipeline for Windows 10 after the EOL phase, scheduled for October 2025.
For now, Microsoft hasn’t provided pricing details on how much the ESU program will cost for consumers. As we said before, it will be an annual fee. MS will provide these details at a later date and we will keep you informed. In the meantime you can think update to the latest operating system at any time thereafter backup your PC files. But I understand your sentiment if you want to stick with Windows 10 as long as possible.
What do you think of Microsoft’s new ESU program? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!