Microsoft Offers $30 Upgrade for Windows 10 Users Who Prefer to Avoid Windows 11

As the deadline for Windows 10 support approaches on October 14, 2025, Microsoft is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11 or pay a fee of $30 to continue utilizing Windows 10.

Users have the option to upgrade to Windows 11 either by upgrading their current machines or purchasing new devices. However, if you plan to stick with Windows 10 for an additional year past 2025, you’ll face a $30 charge, as your system will be left exposed to potential security threats. This vulnerability arises because Microsoft will cease providing security updates for Windows 10 after October 14, 2025.

This article aims to simplify the situation for both consumers and businesses, outlining the costs associated with Windows updates and the timeline to be aware of. Windows 10 initially debuted on July 19, 2015, with Microsoft guaranteeing support for a decade, thus extending until October 14, 2025.

After this deadline, Microsoft will halt all updates for Windows 10 Home and Pro editions. This cessation means no more feature updates, optional updates, monthly patches, or critical security updates for devices still operating on Windows 10. As of today, October 31, 2024, there are approximately 349 days remaining for users to upgrade to Windows 11 or opt for the $30 fee.

Enterprise and educational users will also see the same ten-year support frame for Windows 10, concluding on October 14, 2025.

Purchasing Windows 10 Security Updates

Enterprise clients will have access to an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which was previously exclusive to Windows 7. This service is now being extended to Windows 10 as it approaches the end of its support lifecycle.

The purpose of the ESU program is to facilitate a gradual migration to Windows 11 for businesses, while also acknowledging that everyday users might prefer to continue using Windows 10.

A recent support document update from Microsoft indicates that this is the first time the ESU program will be available for consumers. Users can acquire a one-year subscription for $30, with the possibility of purchasing additional “extended updates” as we near the 2025 cut-off date. Note that this purchase can only be made once.

While Microsoft has not specified the purchasing process for the extended updates license, reports suggest it could mirror previous sales approaches used for businesses during the Windows 7 transition.

For Windows 10 ESU, it is anticipated that Microsoft will provide these update options directly through their official site, as well as through authorized partners or third-party sellers. Given that the plan for consumers costs $30 for one year, it’s likely that Microsoft will link the license to a Microsoft account to streamline the purchasing and activation process.

Further information from Microsoft is expected as we approach 2025.

This is an evolving story….

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