As Microsoft approaches the end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, the company offers an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to assist individuals and organizations in maintaining security during their transition to newer operating systems. This article provides a detailed overview of the Windows 10 ESU program, including its pricing, requirements, time frame, target audience, minimum purchase stipulations, and supported versions.
Overview of the Extended Security Updates (ESU) Program
The ESU program is a paid subscription service that delivers critical and important security updates to devices running Windows 10 beyond its official end-of-support date. It is designed to provide users with additional time to plan and execute their migration to supported platforms, such as Windows 11, without compromising security.
Pricing Structure
The cost of enrolling in the ESU program varies based on the type of user:
Organizations and Businesses: For enterprises utilizing Windows 10, ESU licenses can be acquired through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Program. The pricing is structured as follows:
- Year One: $61 USD per device
- Year Two: $122 USD per device
- Year Three: $244 USD per device
This tiered pricing model is designed to encourage timely migration to supported operating systems.
Individuals and Windows 10 Home Users: For the first time, Microsoft extends the ESU offering to individual consumers and users of Windows 10 Home edition. These users can purchase a one-year ESU license at a cost of $30 per device. Notably, this option is limited to a single year of extended support.
Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify for the ESU program, devices must meet specific criteria:
Operating System Version: Devices must be running Windows 10, version 22H2. This ensures compatibility with the ESU updates and aligns with Microsoft’s support policies.
Subscription Validity: The ESU subscription is valid for one year and must be renewed annually to continue receiving updates.
Time Frame and Duration
The ESU program is structured to provide extended support for up to three years beyond the official end-of-support date:
- Year One: November 2025 – October 2026
- Year Two: November 2026 – October 2027
- Year Three: November 2027 – October 2028
It’s important to note that ESU licenses are cumulative. Therefore, if an organization opts to enroll in the program during Year Two, they are required to purchase licenses for both Year One and Year Two.
Target Audience
The ESU program caters to a diverse range of users:
Organizations and Businesses: Enterprises that require additional time to transition to newer operating systems can leverage the ESU program to maintain security compliance during the migration process.
Individuals and Home Users: Recognizing that some consumers may need more time to upgrade their systems, Microsoft offers a one-year ESU option to individual users, providing them with a secure environment while they prepare for the transition.
Minimum Purchase Requirements
The ESU program is designed to be accessible:
Organizations and Businesses: There is no minimum license purchase requirement, allowing organizations to purchase ESU licenses for as few or as many devices as necessary.
Individuals and Home Users: Users can purchase ESU licenses on a per-device basis, with no minimum quantity restrictions.
Supported Versions of Windows 10
The ESU program supports specific editions of Windows 10:
Enterprise Edition: Commonly used in corporate environments, this edition is fully supported under the ESU program.
Pro Edition: Aimed at small businesses and advanced users, the Pro edition is eligible for ESU.
Home Edition: For the first time, the ESU program extends support to the Home edition, allowing individual consumers to maintain security updates beyond the end-of-support date.
Limitations and Considerations
While the ESU program provides critical security updates, it has certain limitations:
Exclusions: The ESU does not include new features, customer-requested non-security updates, design change requests, or general support beyond license activation, installation, and potential regressions of the ESU itself.
Technical Support: General technical support is not included in the ESU program. Organizations requiring technical assistance must have an active support plan in place.
Conclusion
The Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program serves as a crucial bridge for users and organizations transitioning from Windows 10 to newer operating systems. By offering continued security updates beyond the official end-of-support date, the ESU program ensures that devices remain protected against vulnerabilities during the migration period. With flexible pricing, minimal purchase requirements, and support for various editions of Windows 10, the ESU program provides a tailored solution to meet the diverse needs of its user base. However, it is essential for users to recognize that the ESU is a temporary measure, and planning for a full transition to a supported operating system should remain a priority to maintain optimal security and functionality.
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