Though Windows 10 support ends in late 2025, both businesses and — for the first time — individual customers will have the option for up to three years of paid security updates. Microsoft plans to offer extended security updates to commercial Windows 10 customers when the operating system reaches end-of-life in late 2025. For the first time, the company is extending that offer to individual users as well. Microsoft encouraged Windows 10 customers to begin plans to migrate to the latest version of the operating system — Windows 11 — last April with the announcement that Windows 10 22H2 would be the final version. Windows 10 is still the most widely used version of the OS, accounting for 64% of US desktop market share, according to StatCounter’s figures; that compared to 30% for Windows 11. End of support is set for Oct. 14, 2025. At that point, Microsoft will no longer provide bug fixes, security fixes, time zone updates, or technical support. That means users would need to upgrade existing devices to Windows 11, purchase new hardware running the latest OS, or move to the cloud-based Windows 365. For those that don’t update, Microsoft will provide Extended Security Updates (ESUs), the company said in a blog post Tuesday. These can be purchased on a yearly basis, and can be renewed for up to three years. Microsoft doesn’t always provide this option: extended support was offered for Windows 7, but not for Windows 8. The ESU program provides monthly “critical and/or important security updates,” Microsoft said. There are, however, no new features, design change requests, or technical support services provided past the October 2025 deadline. ESU pricing will be provided “at a later date,” a Microsoft spokesperson said. Microsoft notes that customers on Windows 10 IoT Enterprise Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise plans “will continue to receive updates based on their specific lifecycles.” Related content feature Microsoft's Patch Tuesday updates: Keeping up with the latest fixes Here's a look at the most recent Patch Tuesday release from Microsoft as well as a collection of recent updates so you can track what's changed. By Dan Muse Aug 16, 2024 5 mins Microsoft Microsoft Office Windows 10 opinion For August, Patch Tuesday means patch now Microsoft’s monthly update for August includes fixes for six — yes, six — zero-day flaws affecting Windows and Office. By Greg Lambert Aug 16, 2024 10 mins Microsoft Microsoft Office Windows Security opinion Germany’s BSI guns for better tech security Microsoft will need to become secure by design, but if you can't wait there's an alternative. By Jonny Evans Aug 16, 2024 5 mins Apple Windows Security news MIT delivers database containing 700+ risks associated with AI Called the AI Risk Repository, the goal, its creators say, is to provide an accessible and updatable overview of risk landscape. By Paul Barker Aug 15, 2024 1 min Generative AI Security Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe