Microsoft To Charge an Annual Fee for Windows 10 Support

• Microsoft has announced its intention to discontinue free support for Windows 10 starting October 2025. 
• Customers who want to continue using the older operating system can apply for an annual subscription through Extended Security Updates (ESU).

Millions of Windows 10 users face a new challenge as Microsoft has announced its intention to end free support for the operating system. Users now have to choose between opting for Windows 11 systems or paying an annual subscription fee for Extended Security Updates (ESU) to continue using Windows 10. This financial limitation is expected to affect a substantial share of the user base, considering Windows 10% holds approximately 60% of the market share.

Support for Windows 10 is expected to end on the 14th of October 2025. After this date, users are recommended to transition to Windows 11. Alternatively, users will have to pay approximately $61 per year for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. This is the first time Microsoft is providing users and businesses with a paid option for extra security updates.

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In addition, the ESU subscription fees are cumulative. The $61 fee is for the first year, the second-year fee will double to $122, and the third-year fee will account for $244. Additionally, users who join the ESU subscription during the second year will have to pay the fees of both the first and second years, owing to its cumulative nature. Microsoft is offering a 25% discount to businesses and reduced rates for educational institutions.

Windows 10 is a highly popular version of the operating system despite the release of Windows 11. While a transition to Windows 11 can be highly expensive for a user, an ESU subscription may be a more affordable option. In addition, older devices are likely incompatible with Windows 11, and an ESU subscription is a feasible option.

While the ESU subscriptions are normally available only to organizations that need to maintain older Windows versions, for the first time, they are also available to the public, owing to the large number of users still reliant on the Windows 10 OS.

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