Microsoft reveals the cost of Windows 10’s end-of-life security update – and it could be higher than you expect
The cost of ditching Windows 10 for your business and upgrading to the latest software could be quite an expensive process, Microsoft has revealed.
Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, after which companies will have to pay for the Extended Security Updates (ESU).
The company has now revealed details about how much businesses will have to pay if they want to continue using Windows 10 past the official end of support deadline, without leaving themselves open to security attacks.
Expensive Windows 10 upgrade
In a blog post In explaining the changes, Microsoft reminded companies that need to continue using Windows 10 after support ends that they must enroll those PCs in the ESU program.
There will be three paid options for companies looking to expand their support, Microsoft said: the traditional 5-by-5 activation key method, a cloud-based activation method, and activation included with your Windows 365 subscription.
The first is the Basic License Package, which costs $61 per device for year 1, where users simply download an activation key and apply it to each individual Windows 10 device they have selected for the ESU program.
Businesses will also be able to access ESU at no additional cost through their existing Windows 365 subscription, with devices automatically activated to receive security updates without any additional steps.
Finally, Microsoft also has a “special offer” for organizations using a Microsoft cloud-based update management solution, such as Microsoft Intune or Windows Autopatch, which will receive a 25% discount, meaning their ESU will cost $45 per user for up to five devices. for year 1.
“ESUs allow you to receive critical and/or important security updates for Windows 10 PCs when you need additional time to move to Windows 11,” the company said.
“Organizations that use outdated software are at greater risk of security breaches and potential compliance violations. Although Windows 10 PCs will continue to function after support ends, they will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, feature improvements, or security fixes. problem solutions. By upgrading to Windows 11 or moving to a new Windows 11 PC, you can give your employees the best and most secure computing experience and help protect your organization.”