Windows 10 users might breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Microsoft will continue to provide support for the operating system until October 14, 2025. However, the company has introduced a new initiative called Extended Security Updates (ESU), which comes with a price tag. This article explores the implications of the ESU program and its potential impact on both personal and business users.
The upcoming Windows 10 22H2 version will mark the end of the Windows 10 era. Microsoft will provide support for this final release until October next year. After that, regular users will need to sign up for the ESU program to continue receiving security updates. However, the pricing for the ESU subscription remains undisclosed.
Business owners who wish to keep their current Windows 10 systems secure beyond October next year may face excessive costs. In the past, organizations using Windows 7 PCs with an extended Enterprise Edition license were charged $25 per device in the first year and a hefty $100 per device in the third year. If Microsoft continues with a similar pricing model for the ESU program, it could pose a financial burden for businesses.
Surprisingly, Microsoft has decided to allow personal users to access the ESU program for the first time. However, the actual cost for personal users remains uncertain. It is hopeful that the pricing for personal users would be significantly cheaper compared to businesses. Time will tell if Microsoft delivers on this expectation.
While the Windows 10 support extension may not be a concern for Windows 11 users, it is essential to remember that not all systems meet the requirements for the latest operating system. Windows 11 has controversial TPM and supported CPU requirements, leaving some users unable to upgrade. Third-party methods exist to bypass these restrictions, but they require technical knowledge or additional fees next year. This exclusion of users with perfectly functional yet unsupported PCs seems unfair.
Despite the arrival of Windows 11, a significant portion of users still rely on Windows 10. According to the recent Steam hardware survey, 53.53 percent of respondents reported using Windows 10. The slow uptake of Windows 11 suggests that not everyone is ready to make the switch. Windows 11’s initial launch received mixed reviews, and although it has improved over time, it leaves users with unsupported PCs in the dark.
While Microsoft’s decision to extend Windows 10 support until 2025 may be seen as a positive move, the introduction of the ESU program raises concerns. Business owners may face excessive costs to keep their systems secure beyond October next year. Personal users have the chance to subscribe to the ESU program, but the pricing remains uncertain. Additionally, the limitations of Windows 11 leave some users unable to upgrade, despite their PCs being perfectly functional. It is important for Microsoft to consider the needs of its users and provide accessible and affordable solutions for extended support.
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