Microsoft Clarifies Its Plans for Paid Windows 10 Updates

Microsoft’s approach to the retirement of Windows 10 remains steadfast, and new insights into the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program have emerged through an updated support document. For those who may be unfamiliar, the ESU program is designed to provide up to three years of critical security updates for legacy Windows 10 devices, albeit at a fixed cost.

According to the official Microsoft documentation, the pricing structure for Enterprise and Business users reveals significant financial implications. In the first year, Enterprise users are charged **$61**, which escalates dramatically to **$122** in the second year—essentially doubling. The trend continues with a staggering **$244** charge for the final year. This pricing strategy is believed to nudge users toward upgrading to Windows 11, effectively necessitating the purchase of new PCs as support dwindles.

When aggregated, the overall cost amounts to **$427**, a sum that could instead secure a basic all-in-one device or a pre-built laptop suitable for enterprise use. However, it’s crucial to note that enterprises will often have numerous systems to upgrade, leading to substantial initial investments required for new Windows 11 machines.

Given the escalating costs outlined above, it seems probable that many enterprises will opt for an initial one-year extension, preparing for migration to a new system before incurring the second year’s ESU costs.

Strict Rules for the ESU Program

A point of confusion surfaced regarding the ESU purchasing process: organizations are not permitted to buy ESUs on an as-needed basis. Adhering to Microsoft’s guidelines is crucial; for example, if an enterprise intends to purchase the ESU in the second year, they must first fulfill the first-year payment. This rule carries over into the third year, meaning an organization will owe a total of **$467** should they wait to secure their security updates.

This structure appears punitive, pressuring businesses into committing to the ESU program at the outset, leaving little room for flexibility.

In contrast, the pricing for Educational entities is considerably more accommodating, with rates set at **$1**, **$2**, and **$4** for the first, second, and third years. Even average consumers can secure a fleeting year of ESU support for **$30**, though this option offers no follow-up support thereafter.

It’s important to highlight a critical oversight: the ESU program does not encompass any technical support. This omission poses a significant challenge for users opting to continue with Windows 10 beyond the official retirement date of October 14, 2025—ultimately leaving them to troubleshoot issues independently.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Extended Security Updates program?

The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program provides critical security updates for Windows 10 devices that are no longer supported, available for up to three years following its end-of-life.

2. How much do Extended Security Updates cost for businesses?

For Enterprise users, the costs are **$61**, **$122**, and **$244** for the first, second, and third years, respectively, totaling **$427** over the ESU program.

3. Are there different pricing options for education and consumer users?

Yes, Educational users may pay **$1**, **$2**, and **$4** for the first three years, while Consumer users can pay **$30** for a single year of ESU support, with no further support available afterward.

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