Windows 10 reaches its official end of support on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft plans to stop providing free monthly security patches for most users. However, you do not necessarily need to upgrade your hardware or pay for a subscription immediately to stay secure.
The standard path: Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU)
For the general global market, Microsoft has introduced a paid program called Windows 10 Extended Security Updates. This allows you to continue receiving critical security fixes for up to three years after the end of support.
The cost is significant for home users. The first year costs $30 per device. The price increases in subsequent years, reaching $60 for the second year and $120 for the third year. This program is designed primarily for enterprise environments or individuals who cannot migrate to Windows 11 right away.
The European workaround: Free updates until October 2027
If you are located in the European Union, you have a distinct advantage. Under EU consumer protection laws, software must remain functional and secure for a reasonable period after purchase. Microsoft has acknowledged this legal requirement.
As a result, consumers in the EU will continue to receive free security updates for Windows 10 until October 2027. This effectively covers the first two years of the ESU program at no cost. You do not need to take any special action; Microsoft is handling this compliance internally.
What this means for you
If you are outside Europe and cannot upgrade your PC, budget for the $30 fee starting in October 2025 if you wish to keep using Windows 10 safely. For EU residents, you can relax knowing your system will remain patched without extra charges for another two years. Regardless of location, running an unsupported OS exposes you to malware risks, so keeping these updates active is crucial.
Source: ZDNet
Over to you: Will you upgrade to Windows 11 before October 2025, or are you planning to use the extended support options?
