Windows 10 will require a paid subscription for security updates starting in 2025

Microsoft has confirmed new details about the future of Windows 10 in a support document. The operating system, which was originally released in July 2015, will continue to receive monthly security updates until October 14, 2025.

Microsoft emphasizes that while it is possible to continue using Windows 10 after this deadline, the operating system will no longer receive any bug fixes, compatibility and security patches, or technical support. Surprisingly, Microsoft is offering the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for the first time not only for companies but also for private users so that it is possible to receive further security updates, provided that the paid subscription is taken out.

Details of this subscription and the price Microsoft will charge for it will be confirmed later. Billing will be annual, so it will not be possible to subscribe for just one month to get the latest security patches for a small price. This update program does not include any feature updates. Business customers also have the option of switching from an outdated client PC to a cloud computer via a Windows 365 subscription, which already includes the ESU subscription.

Consumers who do not want to pay for security patches should switch to Windows 11 by October 2025, or to Windows 12 after Microsoft's next major operating system release, which is expected to hit the market in June 2024.