Windows 10 ESU Pricing Details for Home Users Unveiled by Microsoft, Including Major Conditions

Understanding Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) Pricing and Options

As Windows 10 approaches its end of servicing date in October 2025, many users are questioning the costs associated with prolonging their operating system’s updates. This article delves into the extended security update pricing, particularly for home users and businesses, while also exploring alternatives and future pathways toward Windows 11.

What are the Costs for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates?

Six months ago, Microsoft detailed the pricing structure for organizations seeking Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10. An organization may face a fee of up to $427 per device for three additional years of security updates. However, for individual home users, the situation is quite different.

ESU Options for Home Users

With less than a year remaining before official support concludes, Microsoft has unveiled its pricing plan for personal users. Embedded in their communication is this crucial information:

Home users can extend security updates for 12 months.
The corresponding fee is set at $30.

Unlike organizations that can subscribe for up to three years of updates, home users are limited to just one year. This pricing structure is notably lower than that of business subscriptions.

Microsoft specifies that this extended support is strictly for “personal use,”intending to deter businesses from opting for the less expensive route. In their announcement, Microsoft noted: “For the first time, we’re introducing an ESU program specifically for personal use, available for $30 per year. Enrollment will launch closer to the end of Windows 10 support in 2025.”

This one-year limitation appears surprising considering Windows 10’s continued prevalence in the marketplace. It raises questions about Microsoft’s strategy. The ESU prices verge on being unappealing, reinforcing their push for users to transition to Windows 11.

Pricing for Education Licenses

In a more favorable development, users with education licenses can avail themselves of the following pricing:

Year 1: $1
Year 2: $2
Year 3: $4

In total, educational users can secure three additional years of updates for just $7.

Exploring Alternative Solutions

Fortunately, Windows 10 users—both home and business—have another option through the micro-patching service known as 0Patch. For a comparable annual cost of around $30, 0Patch offers essential security patches for Windows 10 even after Microsoft’s support comes to an end.

This subscription model remains steady in pricing as it does not escalate annually, with assurances to continue support for Windows 10 until at least 2030.

Final Thoughts

Microsoft’s limitation of Extended Security Updates to just one year for home users could be perceived as a setback for countless Windows 10 users, particularly for:

Devices that are incompatible with Windows 11 requirements.
Users who have a preference for Windows 10 over the newer version.

Millions of devices remain rooted in Windows 10 due to these constraints. It will be interesting to observe how widely accepted this first consumer-focused ESU program will be. Its success will largely depend on how effectively Microsoft communicates these changes to users—will they market the option prominently, or will it be obscured within their site?

What are your thoughts on this recent development? Will you consider signing up for the ESU program for extended support? We welcome your comments below.

Additional Insights

1. How can I enroll in the Extended Security Updates program?

Enrollment for the ESU program for home users will be available closer to the end of Microsoft’s support for Windows 10 in 2025. Keep an eye on official announcements from Microsoft for specific details.

2. What happens when Windows 10 support ends?

Once support for Windows 10 ends, users will no longer receive security updates, leaving devices vulnerable to threats. This makes it imperative for users to consider either enrolling for ESUs or migrating to Windows 11.

3. Are there any downsides to using 0Patch instead of Microsoft’s ESU?

While 0Patch offers a more affordable and longer-lasting support solution, it may not cover every enterprise scenario that Microsoft’s ESU program does. Users should assess their individual needs and security risks before deciding.

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