Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 10 will live on beyond its end of support (EOS) date of October 14, 2025, but users will have to pay to continue using the platform safely.
Although Windows 10 22H2 has already been confirmed as the final version of the operating system, Microsoft has committed to monthly security updates up to the EOS. At that point, it will no longer receive bug fixes for issues, security fixes for vulnerabilities, or time zone updates.
However, the company has now announced plans for an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, similar to the one offered for Windows 7, which will continue for another three years.
Windows 10 ESU confirmed
Microsoft said organizations can purchase annual subscriptions for Windows 10 ESU, which can be renewed for up to three years. Enrolled devices will continue to receive monthly security updates.
As of November, Windows 10 is still responsible for more than two in three (68.0%) of all Windows installations (via Statcounter). While Windows 11 adoption continues to rise, it only accounts for just over a quarter (26.6%) of the Windows market. Windows 7 now stands at 3.2%, up from 11.2% in December 2022.
Despite plans to continue support for those willing to pay an annual fee, Microsoft continues to push Windows 11, suggesting users upgrade their existing device, buy a compatible model, or go the cloud route and use Windows 11 through Microsoft 365.
The company added: “The ESU program for Windows 10 will include critical and/or important security updates. ESUs do not include new features, customer-requested non-security updates, or design change requests. Technical support outside the ESU itself is also not available.”
Details, including pricing, have yet to be revealed, but Redmond has also hinted at an ESU program for individual customers.