Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025, which is less than a year from now. That means the operating system will not get any critical security updates after that date. However, Microsoft recently announced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for regular users, which will let people buy a one-year extension for $30.
ESU programs have long been around for commercial entities, but this is the first program designed for personal use. For $30, Windows 10 enthusiasts will receive security updates, bug fixes, and technical support for a full year. Enrollment won’t start until next year, as we’re getting closer to the support end date.
It’s worth noting that this is only a one-year option. Commercial ESU users can buy up to three years of support, which takes them to 2028. However, commercial licenses are more expensive and their price doubles every year until 2028. Personal users only get one year, but the $30 price is right.
Microsoft isn’t completely heartless. Windows 10 will continue to receive security intelligence updates for Defender Antivirus until “at least” October 2028. More than anything, though, the company wants people to ditch the relatively old Windows 10 and move to Windows 11.
“With the end of support for Windows 10, it’s time to move to Windows 11 with confidence. We understand that transitions are never easy, but we’re committed to making this transition as seamless as possible. Thank you for your passion and loyalty to Windows,” the company wrote in a blog post.
Once upon a time, Microsoft called Windows 10 “the ultimate version of Windows.” Things didn’t turn out quite like that.
I think my inner hatred for NVIDIA’s ACE-powered AI boils down to this: there’s simply nothing charming about it. No joy, no warmth, no humanity. Every ACE AI character feels like a developer cutting corners in the worst way possible, as if you can see their contempt for the audience in the form of a boring NPC. I would much rather scroll past some text written on the screen, at least I don’t have to interact with weird robot voices.