Continued Support for Windows 10 and Extended Security Updates
Microsoft has committed to providing support for Windows 10 until October 14, 2025. This extended timeline offers a reprieve for users and organizations not yet ready to transition to the latest operating system. However, for those who wish to maintain their systems with the latest security updates beyond this date, enrollment in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will be necessary. Unlike the standard support, the ESU program is a paid service, marking a shift towards a subscription model for maintaining older operating system security.
Final Windows 10 Release and ESU Program
The final release of Windows 10, known as the 22H2 version, marks the end of new feature updates for the operating system. Microsoft has announced that this version will receive support up until October of the following year. Post this period, users who require security updates will need to look towards the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, especially if they are not utilizing the Long-Term-Servicing Channel (LTSC) releases, which cater to specific use cases such as industrial equipment and medical applications.
- Final Windows 10 version: 22H2
- Support until: October of the following year
- Post-support options: ESU program subscription
- LTSC releases: For specialized equipment and applications
- ESU pricing: To be announced
As of now, the exact pricing for future security fixes under the ESU program remains undisclosed. This leaves businesses and individual users in anticipation of what the costs might entail to keep their systems secure beyond the standard support timeline.
Cost Implications for Businesses and Personal Users
The transition to the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program could entail significant costs for businesses and personal users alike. Drawing from past pricing models, such as those implemented for Windows 7’s extended support, the financial impact could be substantial. For instance, organizations using Windows 7 PCs with an extended Enterprise Edition license were charged $25 per device in the first year, with the cost escalating to $100 per device by the third year.
| Year | Cost per Device (Windows 7 Example) |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | $25 |
| Year 3 | $100 |
While the exact pricing for the ESU program for Windows 10 has not been announced, businesses are advised to prepare for potential expenses that could mirror or exceed those of the past. For personal users, this marks the first time Microsoft has allowed such access to the ESU program, and there is hope that the costs will be more affordable, although this remains to be seen.
Windows 11 Compatibility and User Concerns
Upgrading to Windows 11 comes with its own set of compatibility requirements, which has been a point of contention for many users. The operating system demands both a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 and a CPU that is on Microsoft’s list of supported processors. These requirements have left a significant number of PCs technically unsupported, causing concern among users who are unable to access the latest version of Windows.
While there are third-party methods to bypass these restrictions, they are not officially sanctioned and could potentially lead to other issues. The compatibility requirements have been seen by some as an unfair barrier, especially for those with PCs that are still in good working condition but do not meet the stringent upgrade criteria.
The slow uptake of Windows 11 among users can be attributed to these compatibility challenges, as well as the general reluctance to move away from a familiar and stable operating system like Windows 10. This hesitance is reflected in the concerns of users with unsupported PCs who are faced with the dilemma of either continuing to use an outdated system without security updates or investing in new hardware that meets the requirements for Windows 11.
Current Usage Statistics of Windows 10
Despite the introduction of Windows 11, Windows 10 remains a popular choice among users. According to the most recent Steam hardware survey, a significant 53.53 percent of respondents are still using Windows 10, indicating a slower than expected transition to the latest operating system. This statistic highlights the reality that a large number of users are either hesitant to upgrade or are constrained by the compatibility requirements of Windows 11.
For users with unsupported PCs, the situation presents a difficult choice. They can either continue to use their current systems without the security benefits of the latest updates or face the cost of upgrading to compatible hardware. As the end of standard support for Windows 10 approaches, these users will need to weigh the risks and costs associated with each option.
The enduring popularity of Windows 10 underscores the importance of providing accessible and affordable options for security updates post-October 2025. As Microsoft’s ESU program pricing details are still pending, the tech community is watching closely to see how the company will accommodate the needs of its substantial user base still operating on Windows 10.
