You'll need to pay for Windows 10 security updates after 2025

Microsoft is making big changes for Windows 10 users as its support period comes to an end. Starting on October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop offering free security updates for Windows 10. If users want to keep their systems safe, they will need to pay for these updates. This marks a big shift in how Microsoft handles its older 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 can’t upgrade to a newer version of Windows, Microsoft has created the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. This program offers security updates, but at a cost, and is mainly meant for businesses and schools.

For businesses, the cost of updates increases over time. In the first year, starting in October 2025, it will cost $61 per computer. In the second year, the price doubles to $122 per computer. By the third year, the cost rises to $244. Altogether, businesses will pay $427 per computer over the three years for security updates.

Lower Costs for Schools

Microsoft is making the updates much cheaper for schools and universities. To help support education, the cost is much lower for these institutions. The first year costs just $1 per computer, $2 in the second year, and $4 in the third year. In total, schools will pay only $7 per computer over three years, making it a very affordable option.

What About Individuals and Small Businesses?

While there’s clear pricing for businesses and schools, Microsoft hasn’t yet announced how much individual users and small businesses will have to pay. This has left many users uncertain about what’s coming. Many small businesses rely on Windows 10 for their daily work, and they are concerned about potential costs and security risks.

Challenges for Users Stuck on Windows 10

One of the biggest problems is for users whose computers can’t upgrade to Windows 11. Windows 11 requires newer hardware, and many older computers don’t meet the requirements. For these users, the choice is between paying for updates or risking security issues by staying on Windows 10 without protection.

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This also brings up concerns about Microsoft’s sustainability goals. While the company promotes keeping devices for longer, this new policy may force users to buy new computers that can run Windows 11. This could lead to more electronic waste, as people get rid of perfectly working computers just because they can’t support the latest software.

Lessons from Windows 7’s End of Support

This situation is similar to what happened when Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 7 in 2020. Many users were confused and frustrated, especially small businesses and individuals. Experts hope that this time, Microsoft will make the transition easier 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 would give people more time to upgrade their systems or explore other options without feeling rushed or forced to pay.

Alternatives: Open-Source Systems or New Computers

This announcement has made many users start looking at other options. Some are thinking about switching to open-source operating systems like Linux, which are free and offer strong security. For users who only need their computers for simple tasks like browsing the web, checking email, or writing documents, open-source systems could 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.

Conclusion

As Microsoft prepares to end support for Windows 10, its decision to charge for security updates is causing concern, especially for users who can’t upgrade to Windows 11. While businesses and schools have clear options, individual users and small businesses are still waiting for more details. The cost of updates and the potential need to buy new computers are pushing some to explore alternatives like open-source software.

With the 2025 deadline approaching, many users are hoping Microsoft will offer clearer, more affordable options to make the transition smoother for everyone.

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