Windows 10 support ended: private customer price for ESU updates revealed

With Windows 10, Microsoft is allowing private users to receive security updates beyond the end of support for the very first time. However, only for a fee. Now the company has revealed the price for participation in the so-called ESU program.

End of support for Windows 10 is approaching

Support for Windows 10 version 22H2 officially ends on October 14, 2025. This version of the operating system from Redmond is still the most widespread. This is also because many customers cannot switch to Windows 11 because their systems do not meet the minimum requirements for the upgrade.

Users had even started a petition to get Microsoft to extend support for Windows 10 in order to avoid unnecessary electronic waste. However, that didn’t achieve anything.

Microsoft offers ESU

Microsoft announced the ESU (Extended Security Updates) program for Windows 10 at the end of 2023. However, for the first time ever, private customers also have the opportunity to take part. Previously, extended support was only available to corporate customers.

Microsoft had already revealed at the beginning of April what they would have to pay for the additional updates. However, there was no official price information for end customers yet. Until now.

Price announced for private users

That’s what it says in one Blog post on the Microsoft website that the extension of support for private users will cost 30 US dollars (around 28 euros). There is talk of a “one-year option”. However, it remains unclear whether this means that end users can only use the service for one year – i.e. until October 2026 – or whether the extension costs $30 annually.

Depending on their wishes, business customers will receive additional updates for up to three years. Microsoft also does not provide international prices. Exactly what the service costs for German users remains a secret, at least for the moment. Registration for the ESU program won’t start until 2025 anyway. There is no exact date yet either.

Pure security updates

With the updates as part of the ESU program, customers do not receive any new functions for Windows 10. Microsoft only closes newly discovered security gaps with the regular updates. In addition, the duration of the program is limited to three years. From October 2028 at the latest, Windows 10 users will have to prepare for a change or accept that their own computer may no longer be adequately protected.