Microsoft is willing to extend Windows 10 support for home users but at a price. To continue receiving security updates, you will have to shell out $30 for a single year of patches.
Following Windows 10’s end of life scheduled for October 14, 2025, Microsoft was going to leave home users without any support. Unlike professionals who had the option to continue receiving security updates for a yearly fee of $61, general consumers were left with no other choice but to upgrade to Windows 11 in order to maintain security integrity.
Today, things have changed slightly as the brand is offering home users a one-time $30 subscription to receive updates for one year past the aforementioned deadline. That said, while cheaper than professional users, unfortunately, home users don’t seem to have the option to extend support for more than a single year. In other words, Windows 11 is eventually the way you’ll have to go whether you pay or not. But who knows, if many continue holding on to Windows 10, Microsoft may expand support for home users
Interestingly, this wouldn’t be such a big deal if Microsoft didn’t limit Windows 11 compatibility to modern hardware carrying TPM 2.0 security. The company puts its customers in an uncomfortable position, either by strong-arming an upgrade of compatible hardware for Windows 11 or paying $30.
If you’re one of those who plan on getting the $30 subscription, note that Extended Security Updates (ESU) do not include new features. It’s all about security to protect your system. The only silver lining is that ESU is included at no additional charge for Windows 365 subscribers.
On the other hand, if you plan on keeping Windows 10 past the deadline without paying for security updates, make sure to keep your apps up to date, especially ones that connect to the internet, like browsers. You may also want to install an antivirus if not already done. Lastly, it goes without saying to avoid clicking on unknown or shady links. If you really need to, at least use a virtual environment to limit your risks.
Microsoft indicates that this is not a long-term solution, encouraging home and professional users to upgrade to Windows 11 ASAP. However, if you prefer to keep your trusty OS past this period while being protected, particularly given it’s still the fastest OS for gaming, there are third-party companies that will offer security updates for a subscription. So, it’s up to you.
