As Windows 10 nears its official end-of-support date, Microsoft is offering an alternative for those not ready to upgrade to Windows 11. With less than a year to go, Windows 10 users now have the option to extend their system’s protection by purchasing an Extended Security Updates (ESU) plan. For a one-time fee of $30, users will receive critical and important security updates for an additional year, ensuring protection against potential security vulnerabilities. This plan, however, is limited to a single year with no renewal option.
Microsoft had previously hinted that such an option might be extended to consumers, following similar ESU offerings for businesses. This option was confirmed through recent announcements, indicating that the ESU plan would be available to individual users for a single payment. By October 14, 2025, standard support will end for Windows 10, which means no further updates or patches — leaving devices vulnerable to any emerging threats.
For those who still rely on Windows 10, upgrading to Windows 11 or purchasing a compatible new PC is one alternative. As of now, a significant percentage of users — 59.1% according to StatCounter — remain on Windows 10, a statistic expected to drive an upcoming demand for PC upgrades. Windows 10 users eligible for Windows 11 can find the upgrade option directly within their Settings menu, while others may look to third-party services like 0patch for extended protection, though without Microsoft’s official backing.
In any case, proceeding without updates isn’t advised, as it leaves devices exposed to future vulnerabilities without patches to protect against them.
