Microsoft has recently announced that it will provide support for Windows 10 until October 14, 2025. This is good news for users who plan on sticking with the operating system for a while longer. However, there is a catch—users who want to receive future security updates beyond this date will need to sign up for Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which comes with a cost.
The upcoming Windows 10 22H2 version is set to be the final release for the operating system. This means that it will be actively supported until October next year. After this, if you’re not using the Long-Term-Servicing Channel releases (which are mainly for specific industries like healthcare and manufacturing), you will need to subscribe to the ESU program to continue receiving security fixes. The pricing details for this program have not been announced yet, but it is worth considering the potential financial implications for businesses.
For business owners who want to keep their current Windows 10 systems secure beyond October next year, the cost of the ESU program may be a cause for concern. In the past, organizations using Windows 7 PCs with an extended Enterprise Edition license were charged $25 per device in the first year and a substantial $100 per device in the third year. If Microsoft follows a similar pricing model for the ESU program, it could result in excessive costs for business owners. However, it’s important to note that this is the first time Microsoft is allowing personal users to subscribe to the ESU program, so the pricing for individual users may be different.
Uncertain Pricing for Personal Users
It is difficult to estimate the cost of subscribing to the ESU program for personal users who run a Windows 10 install on their personal devices. While the hope is that the pricing will be significantly cheaper than for businesses, only time will tell. Microsoft has not yet provided any information regarding the pricing for personal users, so users will need to wait for further updates to determine the financial implications.
While the focus may have shifted to Windows 11, it’s essential to remember that many systems are still not technically supported by the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system. Windows 11 has certain requirements, such as TPM and supported CPU specifications, that some older devices do not meet. While there are workarounds available, they may not be suitable for everyone. This puts users with unsupported PCs in a difficult position—either they have to meddle with installation files or pay a fee for upgrading next year.
Despite the availability of Windows 11, a surprising number of users still rely on Windows 10. According to the most recent Steam hardware survey, 53.53 percent of respondents reported using Windows 10. This suggests that the adoption of Windows 11 has been relatively slow. Although Windows 11 has improved since its initial release, it appears that some users are content with their current Windows 10 systems and are not yet ready to upgrade.
The decision to stay with Windows 10 comes with its own set of considerations. While Microsoft is extending support for the operating system until 2025, users will need to subscribe to the ESU program for continued security updates. The cost of this program is still unknown, and it may pose financial challenges for businesses. Likewise, personal users are uncertain about the pricing they may have to bear. Additionally, the limited compatibility of older devices with Windows 11 leaves some users with unsupported systems. As Windows 10 continues to be a popular choice among users, Microsoft needs to carefully address these concerns and provide transparent pricing and upgrade options for a smooth transition to the future of its operating systems.
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