Microsoft has confirmed the end of full security support for Windows 10, establishing October 14, 2025, as the cut-off date. This was already known as Microsoft has bee pointing to 2025 as the year to end Windows 10 since launching Windows 11 in 2021. Nevertheless, the company is presenting an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to support users beyond this date, albeit for a fee.
Extended Security Updates: A Costly Affair
For customers who cannot upgrade to Windows 11 before the end-of-support (EOS) date, Microsoft is allowing a purchasable extension of Windows 10 security. Jason Leznek, from Microsoft's Windows Servicing & Delivery team, emphasized the initiative as a concession for users with extenuating circumstances that preclude a swift transition to the newer operating system.
According to Microsoft's statement, the ESU program will deliver only critical and important security updates; it will exclude non-critical patches, feature enhancements, and general technical support. Although specific prices are not disclosed yet, projections suggest costs to mirror past ESU programs, potentially scaling annually from $50 for the first year, with subsequent increases each year.
For those deploying cloud-based solutions, Microsoft encourages using Windows 11 through Windows 365, its service for streaming the operating system to devices. Customers engaging in this model will receive the ESU agreement without extra charges. This facility extends to Windows 10 instances operating on Azure Virtual Desktop, offering administrative benefits.
Sustainability Advocates Applaud the Move
The announcement garnered attention from sustainability advocates, including the US Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), which views the ESU program as a positive step for reducing electronic waste. After gathering 20,000 signatures in October advocating for extended Windows 10 support, PIRG celebrated Microsoft's decision for its potential to curb unnecessary technology turnover.
PIRG's Designed to Last Campaign Director, Lucas Rockett Gutterman, advocated for automatic support extensions, considering it a more efficient approach to combat the rapid cycle of tech disposability. Microsoft's offer entails three years of ESU for educational, public-sector, and small-to-medium business entities, while individuals currently stand to receive a single year with possible extensions based on demand.
Looking forward, Microsoft plans to provide further details concerning the ESU program and its availability to individual consumers. The development has sparked discussions on the balance between technological progress and environmental conservation, placing Microsoft's strategy under the scrutiny of users, businesses, and eco-conscious entities alike.
