You’ll have to pay for Windows 10 security updates after 2025

Microsoft is making big changes for Windows 10 users as support ends. Microsoft will stop offering free security updates for Windows 10 starting October 14, 2025. Users will need to pay for these updates if they want to keep their systems safe. This marks a major shift in the way Microsoft handles its legacy software.

Windows 10 Support Ends in 2025: What You Need to Know About Paid Updates

What is the Extended Security Updates (ESU) Program?

To help users who are unable to upgrade to a newer version of Windows, Microsoft created the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. This program offers security updatesbut it comes at a cost and is mainly for businesses and schools.

The cost of updates for businesses increases over time. It will cost $61 per computer for the first year, starting in October 2025. In the second year, the price doubles to $122 per computer. In the third year, the cost increases to $244. Businesses will pay a total of $427 per computer for three years for security updates.

Lower Costs for Schools

Microsoft making updates much cheaper for schools and universities. These institutions cost much less to help support education. It’s only $1 per computer the first year, $2 the second year, and $4 the third year. In total, schools will pay just $7 per computer for three years, making it a very affordable option.

What About Individuals and Small Businesses?

While there is clear pricing for businesses and schools, Microsoft has not yet announced how much individual users and small businesses will have to pay. This left many users unsure of what to do. Many small businesses rely on Windows 10 for their daily business, and they worry about potential costs and security risks.

Challenges for Users Stuck on Windows 10

One of the biggest problems is for users whose computers cannot be upgraded to Windows 11. Windows 11 requires newer hardware, and many older computers do not meet these requirements. For these users, the choice is between paying. updates or you could risk security issues by remaining unprotected in Windows 10.

This also raises concerns about Microsoft’s sustainability goals. Although the company encourages keeping devices longer, this new policy could force users to buy new computers that can run Windows 11. This can lead to more electronic waste; because people get rid of perfectly working computers just because they can’t support the latest versions. software.

Lessons from Windows 7’s End of Support

This is similar to what happened when Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 7 in 2020. Many users, especially small businesses and individuals, were confused and frustrated. Experts hope that this time Microsoft will ease the transition and provide clearer information.

Some experts think Microsoft should extend free security updates for a few more years, especially for individuals and small businesses. This will give people more time to upgrade their systems or explore other options without rushing or having to pay.

Alternatives: Open Source Systems or New Computers

This announcement caused many users to start looking at other options. Some are considering switching to open source operating systems such as Linux, which are free and offer strong security. For users who only need their computers for simple tasks like browsing the web, checking emails, or writing documents, open source systems can be a good alternative.

Others are considering buying new computers that can run Windows 11, but this can be an expensive solution. Between paying for security updates and possibly buying new hardware, some users are rethinking whether they want to stay with Microsoft products or try something new.

Solution

As Microsoft prepares to end support for Windows 10, its decision to charge for security updates is causing concern, especially for users who cannot upgrade to Windows 11. While businesses and schools have clear options, individual users and small businesses are still waiting for the update. more details. cost updates and the potential to purchase new computers is driving some to explore alternatives such as open source software.

As the 2025 deadline approaches, many users are hoping Microsoft will provide clearer, more affordable options to make the transition smoother for everyone.