Key Takeaways:
– Critical security updates for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025.
– Microsoft to offer Extended Security Updates (ESUs) at a cost.
– Pricing of ESUs will double each year: $61 for the first year, $122 for the second year, and $244 for the third year.
– Charges are cumulative and retroactive for skipped years.
– The pricing strategy aims to accelerate the business migration to Windows 11.
Starting from October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will cease to offer critical security updates for the majority of its users. This move comes around a decade after the popular operating system’s initial release. Fret not, Microsoft has a workaround for users with computers incompatible with Windows 11, or businesses dealing with a multitude of PCs – the Extended Security Updates (ESUs), but it comes with a price.
Breaking Down the ESUs Pricing
Microsoft’s Jason Leznek, in a recent blog post, divulged the cost structure for ESUs. Enterprises wishing to keep their systems updated will need to shell out $61 per PC for the first year. The pricing pattern is comparable to the one applied to the Windows 7 ESUs a couple of years ago. In other words, brace yourself for a price surge every year.
Subsequently, the cost for the second year of ESUs will see a twofold increase to $122 per PC, with the third year shooting up to a massive $244 per device. Notably, Microsoft has clarified that their pricing policy is cumulative. This implies that if you opt for the ESUs on year three, bypassing the first two years, you will still have to pay for the missed years. Quite a hefty sum to secure your existing Windows 10 systems!
Microsoft’s Maneuver to Boost Windows 11 Migration?
The steady price hikes signal Microsoft’s long-term strategic goal, i.e., to expedite businesses to transition to the new Windows 11 as early as possible. At the same time, the company is offering a safety net by providing a way for users and businesses to continue with Windows 10, albeit at a proportional cost.
However, the significant price escalations associated with consecutive ESUs might trigger businesses to consider two scenarios. They must reevaluate their fiscal and technical feasibility of sticking with Windows 10 and weigh it against moving to Windows 11. The cost-benefit analysis is crucial in making informed decisions and avoiding unexpected financial surprises.
The onset of the termination date for Windows 10 security updates might be a wake-up call for many enterprises. It’s an opportunity to reassess their IT strategies and the feasibility of swiftly migrating to Windows 11. Keeping a close eye on each avenue’s potential implications will inevitably guide businesses towards an optimum solution. After all, an upgraded and secured OS shouldn’t burn a hole in the pocket.
Bear in mind, with October 2025 less than four years away, it’s high time to kick start the necessary evaluations and preparations. As much as the additional ESU fees can be a dampener, it also opens up scopes for discussions on whether it’s time to say goodbye to Windows 10.
As we stride forward, the dynamics within the digital realm take rapid strides. Amidst this constantly evolving landscape, staying updated and secure becomes paramount for businesses. It’s crucial to ensure a smooth transition, whether upkeeping current systems or transitioning to Windows 11, achieving a fine balance between cost efficiency and cybersecurity should be the end goal.