As Microsoft prepares to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, users have a critical decision to make. They must either migrate to Windows 11 or pay for extended security updates (ESU). Microsoft will offer distinct options for consumer (home) customers. They will also offer options for commercial customers who want or need to continue using Windows 10 after this date.
Consumer Pricing for ESU
We know that commercial enterprises were going to have the “cost” option of paying for extended updates while they “complete” they migration / move to Windows 11, but in the first time in history, Microsoft have also announced that consumers can will also have the option to purchase a single year of Extended Security Updates (ESU) for a one off $30 (£25) cost.
Commercial Pricing for ESU
Pricing to commercial customers will be based on tiered pricing options with pricing set-out at
- $61 per device per year for the first year
- $122 per device for the second year, and
- $244 per device for the third year.
Organisations needed or wishing to pay for ESU for their devices for 3 years will therefore incur costs of $427 per device.
Extended Security Updates: A Temporary Solution
Microsoft’s ESU program will provide a lifeline in helping any organisation or consumer unable or unwilling to upgrade to Windows 11 before October 14th, 2025, (when Windows 10 enters end of support).
Bear in mind though that these ESU updates are just security and zero-day updates. There will be no new features, bug fixes, or technical support included.
These are, of course, optional, but there are huge risks for continuing to use Windows 10 devices without protection from security exploits or newly discovered vulnerabilities.
This is especially true for commercial organisations. They lack protection from security and vulnerability updates.
The Risks of Running an Unsupported OS
Running an operating system without security updates poses significant risks, both for consumers and businesses including:
- Increased Vulnerability to Cyber Attacks: Without regular security patches, systems become prime targets for hackers. Vulnerabilities that are discovered post-support will remain unpatched, leaving systems exposed to malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats.
- Compliance Issues: For businesses, using unsupported software can lead to non-compliance with industry regulations. It can also lead to non-compliance with standards. This may result in hefty fines and legal repercussions. This can also affect security certifications. These include Cyber Security and Cyber Security Plus. It also impacts trust from customers and business partners.
- Operational Disruptions: Security breaches can cause significant downtime, disrupting business operations and leading to financial losses. For consumers, this could mean losing access to important personal data and services.
- Higher Long-Term Costs: While the initial cost of ESU might seem manageable, the long-term financial impact of a security breach can be devastating.
The best approach is to start planning the move to Windows 11 now. There are just over eleven months to do this. For consumers, this could mean upgrading. It could also mean replacing their devices with ones capable of running Windows 11. Windows 11 was released and started shipping on new devices in 2021.
Will my device run Windows 11?
Microsoft have a useful website which show the minimum system specifications for Windows 11 which you can access –> here <-
In reality any device newer that 4-5 years old should have no problem running Windows 11, , but in short, you need a device with at least:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster and min of 2 core.
- RAM: 4 GB or more.
- Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device / HDD / SDRAM – you’ll much more in reality.
- System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. (this is important)
- Graphics Card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver.
- Display: High definition (720p) – must be greater than 9” diagonally.
Tools to check compatibility
Another really easy way to check your device (if you are a consumer of want to check a couple of devices) is to the use the PC HealthCheck App. This can be downloaded from https://aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp if it’s not already installed on your Windows 10 device.
When you run the tool, you get one of three outcomes. If you device passes, you’ll see a “meets requirements” message, and if it fails, you’ll receive a “doesn’t currently meet”. Coprate devices may see a message stating that “your organisation manages updates” and as such check with IT department (though I suspect they are already on it!)
Commercial Customers IT departments can easily check Windows 11 eligibility using Microsoft Intune or System Centre.
Conclusion
The decision to stick with Windows 10 and not migrate to Windows 11 should not be taken lightly. While ESU provides a temporary solution, the risks associated with running an unsupported OS far outweigh the benefits.
The risks of not updating (or paying for extended security updates) are too high. It is only acceptable if your device is never connected to the internet. Additionally, you should avoid using external sources such as USB devices.
Upgrading to Windows 11 ensures continued security. It also provides access to the latest features and support. This makes it a wise investment for both consumers and businesses.
Q&A
- What about my anti-virus applications? In reality these will still work as will any application you are running on your machine. You will need to check with the antivirus provider to check that they will still support Windows 10, but as long as they do and you pay the subscription to them, it shouldn’t impact these anti-virus signature updates.
- What about other software like Office Apps? Well Office 2016 and Office 2019 also go end of support in October 2025. You’ll need to upgrade these too if you want to get feature updates and security updates and fixes. You will likely find other software vendors like Adobe will also stop supporting Windows 10 (as many did with Windows 7). You’ll need to check with the software provider.
- Can I upgrade the hardware in my device to get compliant? That is also an option. After running the compatibility checker, you may find that upgrading your hard drive, adding more memory or swapping other components may “get your device compliant”. In most cases this isn’t cost effective.