Microsoft to Transition Windows 10 Users to Paid Security Updates Post-2025

Starting October 14, 2025, Windows 10 security updates will no longer be free, with prices starting at $61 for the first year and doubling annually.

Microsoft announces plans to transition Windows 10 users to a paid structure for security updates post-October 14, 2025, marking the end of free support.
Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 will be available for purchase, starting at $61 for the first year, with prices doubling each subsequent year.
Businesses, educational institutions, and consumers will face varying costs for ESU, with special pricing for schools and cloud-based update management users.
Despite Windows 11 being available since October 2021, its adoption has been slow, with Windows 10 still running on approximately 69% of global PCs.
The move to paid updates is seen as an effort by Microsoft to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11, amidst concerns over the feasibility for those with older hardware.