On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 (except for certain LTSC versions for Enterprises). After that, this still most used desktop operating system will no longer receive security updates. But old Windows systems are used for longer, especially in the corporate environment, and some private users also want to continue using their beloved Windows 10 after October 2025.
For such professional users, but also for private users, Microsoft offers the option of receiving security updates for three years for a fee, even after the official end of support. This was already the case with Windows 7 (but not for private users at the time, but only for corporate customers) and this will also be the case with Windows 10.
This paid support extension is called “Windows 10 Extended Security Updates”, or ESU for short. As part of ESU, customers only receive security updates, but no new functions and no non-security updates.
Saving tip: Windows 11 Pro legally for only 70 euros instead of 259 euros
This is how much ESU costs for private users and corporate customers
Microsoft will begin selling ESU licenses in October 2024. The price of ESU support will double every year, according to Microsoft. There will be updates as part of ESU for a maximum of three years, so you can safely use Windows 10 until October 2028. After that it’s definitely over. By the way, you won’t save anything if you only join ESU in the second year because you will still have to pay for the first year.
Now Microsoft has revealed in a blog entry a) how you can book support via ESU from October 2024 and b) it will cost a lot of ESU. The prices are currently only available in US dollars, but the euro prices for German users should be based on this. Microsoft emphasizes: “Regional prices vary depending on the exchange rate at the time of order”. Microsoft also wants to offer special prices for non-profit organizations. Microsoft therefore offers three options for purchasing ESU:
5-by-5 activation
With the 5 by 5 activation method, you download an activation key and apply it to individual Windows 10 devices that you have selected for your ESU program. This is the base license and costs $61 per device for the first year (for comparison, here are the Windows 7 ESU prices at the time).
Cloud-based activation
Microsoft offers a special offer for companies that use a cloud-based update management solution from Microsoft (e.g. Microsoft Intune or Windows Autopatch). Such companies can receive a discount of around 25 percent on ESU licensing. So you pay $45 per user and for up to five devices in the first year.
Activation within a Windows 365 subscription
Windows 10 devices that access Windows 11 Cloud PCs through Windows 365 are automatically enabled to receive security updates without requiring any additional steps. This license is included with the Windows 365 subscription at no additional cost and with a one-year commitment.
Regardless of the ESU program, Microsoft naturally favors upgrading to Windows 11 or purchasing new Windows 11 computers or switching to Windows 365 computers, which use Windows from the cloud.
