Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) are now officially accessible for enterprises.
Microsoft has released a concise guide to assist users in preparing for the impending end of support for Windows 10, which is expected to occur in approximately one year. The guide highlights several key points, including the option to acquire an Extended Security Updates (ESU) subscription, which will ensure the security of Windows 10 PCs for an annual fee of $30. Notably, this service will be available for the first time to both individual consumers and business clients, as previously indicated a year ago.
The ESU program allows users to obtain vital monthly security updates following October 14, 2025, thereby maintaining protection against advancing cyber threats. In contrast to earlier ESU offerings that were restricted to commercial clients, this updated subscription will also cater to individual consumers using personal devices. The subscription will be annual, providing monthly updates that focus solely on critical security vulnerabilities as determined by Microsoft’s Security Response Center. After October 2025, no further features, enhancements, or updates beyond the necessary security patches will be made available for Windows 10.
For those unable to upgrade to Windows 11 because of hardware constraints, such as the absence of TPM 2.0, or software restrictions, a $30 subscription appears to be a practical option. Microsoft has not yet provided comprehensive information regarding the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for individual users. Currently, the company has indicated that this will be a one-year ESU program priced at $30, suggesting that the ESU for consumers may only be accessible for a single year. Enrollment for this program will commence in 2025.
It is important to highlight that the ESU program specifically targets organizations that operate extensive fleets of PCs and/or software incompatible with Windows 11, which may face challenges in upgrading by the 2025 deadline. The purpose of the ESU program is to address this issue, providing businesses with an extended period of up to three years to facilitate their transition while ensuring continued security.
Beginning on November 1, Microsoft will add the standard 5-by-5 Extended Security Update (ESU) option to the Volume Licensing price list, with the first ESU scheduled for release in November 2025. Utilizing the 5-by-5 activation method, users will be required to download an activation key and apply it to each individual Windows 10 device that will not transition to Windows 11.
For enterprises, the initial license fee is set at $61 per device for the first year, with the price increasing to double in each following year, applicable for a maximum duration of three years. Should a company enroll in the second year, it is required to remit payment for the first year as the Extended Security Update (ESU) fees accumulate.
