Major Shift: Microsoft Confirms $61 Fee for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates Starting Soon

A significant change is on the horizon for millions of Windows 10 users worldwide. Microsoft has officially confirmed a $61 fee for its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, set to commence in just five weeks. This move will directly impact users and businesses who choose to remain on Windows 10 beyond its official end-of-life date in October 2025, rather than upgrading to Windows 11.

For years, Windows users have enjoyed free security patches and updates.

However, as the October 14, 2025, end-of-life for Windows 10 Home and Pro editions approaches, Microsoft is now outlining the costs for continued protection. The ESU program is designed to offer critical and important security updates for a maximum of three additional years, ensuring that systems not yet ready for an upgrade can still operate securely.

The initial price point for the first year of the ESU program has been set at $61 per device.

While this might seem a modest sum for individual users, it presents a considerable financial burden for organizations managing hundreds or even thousands of Windows 10 machines. Furthermore, Microsoft has historically employed a tiered pricing structure for ESU, meaning the cost typically doubles each subsequent year.

For instance, if the pattern holds, the second year could cost $122, and the third year $244, per device.

This announcement serves as a firm push for users to transition to Windows 11, which continues to receive free security and feature updates. For those unable or unwilling to upgrade, the $61 fee marks a new era where security for an aging operating system comes at a premium.

Businesses, in particular, will need to carefully weigh the costs of ESU against the investment in upgrading their hardware and software infrastructure to support Windows 11.

The five-week countdown means that by early October 2025, a decision point will have arrived for many. Users will either need to initiate their migration to Windows 11, accept the annual ESU fee to maintain security on their Windows 10 devices, or face the increasing risks of operating an unsupported system.

Microsoft's strategy is clear: incentivize the adoption of its latest operating system.

While the ESU program provides a safety net, it’s designed to be a temporary solution, not a permanent one. The tech giant aims to consolidate its user base onto Windows 11, streamlining support and development efforts. As the deadline looms, the $61 question is set to become a pressing concern for IT departments and individual consumers alike.