Windows 10 Extended Security Update Program is Coming to Consumers Too

If you were surprised that Microsoft announced the Windows 10 Extended Security Update Program so early, this next one will floor you: It’s going to be offered to consumers as well.

Yes, this is a first: The similar programs for Windows XP and Windows 7 were for businesses only. But what’s lacking, as of today, is any context. Microsoft announced the Windows 10 Extended Security Update Program for businesses, and it told the media that it would be coming to individuals. But there’s no corresponding announcement about the consumer version of the service.

Here’s what we do have.

“If you are an individual consumer or an organization who elects to continue using Windows 10 after support ends on October 14, 2025, you will have the option of enrolling your PC in the paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program,” the Microsoft Learn website notes, confirming what I wrote above. “The ESU program enables PCs to continue to receive Critical and Important security updates (as defined by the Microsoft Security Response Center) through an annual subscription service after support ends. More details including pricing will be provided at a later date.”

So not much. But still, this is good news all around: Windows 10 is still used on two to three times as many PCs as is Windows 11, and thanks to the onerous Windows 11 hardware requirements, that’s not going to change much for at least a few years. So those who want to stick with Windows 10 will be able to … at a cost. We just don’t know what that cost is going to be, yet.