This is what you’ll pay to upgrade Windows 10 when it loses support.

Windows 10 is less than a year away from losing official support. Microsoft knows this and has launched an aggressive campaign to get all users to upgrade to Windows 11. While some will be able to do so, others will be left behind due to compatibility issues or simply because they don’t want to upgrade to Windows 11. the operating system suffers from bloatware and artificial intelligence.

The tech giant realizes that not everyone will switch to Windows 11, so it announced an alternative. Microsoft said it will offer extended security update program (ESU) for anyone who wants to stay on Windows 10. This program, which was previously only available to companies, government and educational institutions, will be available to consumers for the first time.

ESU will offer critical and important security updates for Windows 10therefore, if you are careful, there is no danger of catching malware. The only difference from current Windows Update updates is that the program does not include new features, bug fixes, or technical support from Microsoft.

How much will upgrades to Windows 10 cost?

The Extended Security Update program will be available for any PC running Windows 10. The only requirement is that you install the 22H2 update before October 14, 2025, the end date of official support.

Microsoft has confirmed that users will have to pay $30 for another year of Windows 10 updates. The amount is equivalent to less than half the cost of the business version, although it does have a slight downside. While companies can renew their contract every year by paying a higher fee, consumers will have no such alternative.

The program will only be offered for one year for Windows 10 users.. Microsoft notes that ESU is not a long-term solution, but rather a temporary bridge when upgrading to a newer, more compatible version of Windows. This means that after this time, you will have to move to Windows 11, Linux, or look for non-traditional alternatives to stay on Windows 10.

Another detail to consider is that the program covers 1 computer. If you have a desktop PC and a laptop with Windows 10, you’ll have to pay $30 (or local currency equivalent) for each device. Microsoft has confirmed that the consumer ESU will be activated closer to the OS release deadline.

The Extended Security Update Program can be a viable alternative for those who want to protect their computer. Another available option is 0patch, a subscription service that offers up to 5 years of updates in exchange for an annual fee of €25. Unlike Microsoft, 0patch uses a micropatch strategy that modifies running processes and protects against vulnerabilities in popular apps that no longer support Windows 10.