Microsoft Launches ESU Extension Program for Windows 10 Home and Personal Users at $30 per PC

As Windows 10 approaches its end of support on October 14, 2025, Microsoft will cease to provide security updates for the system, making the continued use of this unsupported operating system a significant security risk.

Traditionally, Microsoft has offered a paid ESU plan for businesses to continue receiving security updates after the end of support for older operating systems. Due to hardware limitations preventing many devices from upgrading to Windows 11, Microsoft is now extending this offer to personal and home users for the first time. This move marks a significant shift, allowing these users to secure their systems for an additional year at a cost of $30 per PC. Registered users will receive security updates from October 15, 2025, to October 14, 2026.

Differing from the corporate plan, the personal and home user ESU is available for only one year, whereas the corporate version usually extends three years with increasing prices each year. This strategy aims to encourage businesses to upgrade to supported versions as soon as possible.

Microsoft has not provided a specific reason for offering only one year of paid ESU to personal and home users, perhaps suggesting an expectation that these users should not need extended support. With the current one-year support plus the additional year, users have a total of two years to prepare for the transition.

Microsoft's recommendation remains for all users, whether personal or business, to upgrade to Windows 11. For those with incompatible hardware, the advice is to purchase new devices equipped with TPM 2.0 security chips, support for secure boot, and use of newer CPUs.

Ultimately, both personal and business ESU plans will only provide security updates to address vulnerabilities, without adding any new features or improvements to Windows 10. Microsoft engineers will also cease to offer technical support for the operating system.