For the first time ever, Microsoft is extending its ESU (Extended Security Updates) program to home users. Until now reserved for businesses and organizations, this program offers a unique opportunity for home users to continue benefiting from security patches for their operating systems after the official end of support. This marks a turning point in Microsoft’s strategy.
What is the Windows ESU program?
The ESU (Extended Security Updates) program is a solution proposed by Microsoft to extend the life of an operating system beyond its official end-of-support date. Normally, a version of Windows receives regular security updates for a given period (around 10 years). Once this period has elapsed, the system is declared “out of support”, meaning it no longer receives security patches and becomes easily vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
The origin of the ESU program dates back to the end of Windows 7 support in January 2020. Recognizing that many businesses were still using Windows 7 in mission-critical environments, Microsoft launched ESU as a temporary solution to enable them to continue benefiting from security patches while planning their migration to Windows 10 or 11.
Windows 10 opens its ESU (Extended Security Updates) program to home users
Microsoft is changing the rules of the game by opening up its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to home users. This program, which extends security support for operating systems beyond their official end-of-life, was previously reserved for corporate users. This initiative offers a new option for home users wishing to maintain the security of their devices, without having to upgrade immediately to a more recent version of Windows.
By enabling individuals to access ESU, Microsoft is offering a solution for those who wish to continue using Windows 10 without fearing for their security, while avoiding the pressure of an immediate switch to Windows 11 or a new device. This decision reflects a realization: not all users have the means or inclination to invest in new hardware or modify their IT environment to meet imposed cycles.
ESU: a paying but accessible program for individuals and professionals
| Support duration | Teaching | Home | Professional |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st year | 1$ | 30 $ | 61 $ |
| 2nd year | 2$ | Not available | 122 $ |
| 3rd year | 4$ | Unavailable | 244 $ |
How much does the Windows 10 ESU program cost for home users?
The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for home users allows you to extend Windows 10 support for a further year after the end of official support. This service, charged at $30 per device and offers you the chance to continue receiving critical security patches.
How much does the Windows 10 ESU program for professionals cost?
Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program allows businesses to extend the security of their Windows 10 devices for up to three years after the end of official support. However, the cost is accrued each year, so professionals must pay in previous years to access updates in subsequent years.
| Year | Total cost |
|---|---|
| 1st year | 61 $ |
| 2nd year | 183 $ |
| 3rd year | 427 $ |
Where to buy ESU for Windows 10 and Server?
The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 and Windows Server will only be available shortly before the official end of Windows 10 support, scheduled for October 14, 2025. Microsoft does not yet offer ESU licenses for these systems, and no official platform currently markets them.
As was the case for Windows 7 and Windows Server, Microsoft should announce the ESU program a few months before the end of support. Once available, ESU licenses will generally be purchased :
- Via authorized Microsoft partners(Cloud Solution Provider).
- Directly from Microsoft for certain companies and institutions.
It is not possible to purchase ESU for Windows 10 or Windows Server. Microsoft will announce the official program closer to the end of support, at which point companies will need to contact an authorized reseller.
Protecting your PC without forcing an upgrade: ESU’s gamble with Windows 10
After so many years, programmed obsolescence is giving way to more progressive update management. This means that users can benefit from critical security patches without having to change their habits or hardware, while preparing for a migration at their own pace.
This move underlines a change in philosophy at Microsoft, as the company puts an end to a dynamic often perceived as forcing, and favors a fairer approach that respects the real needs of its community. By putting an end to a transition often perceived as forced, ESU becomes a symbol of flexibility and compromise.
The end of Windows 10 support could have been an ecological disaster
The end of Windows 10 support could have caused a real ecological disaster. According to estimates, the operating system’s forced obsolescence would have resulted in the production of around 480 million kilograms of electronic waste. An alarming figure that reflects the impact of technological decisions on the environment.
Each major system update pushes many users to renew their devices, which are often still functional, but deemed incompatible with the new versions. These devices, replaced prematurely, end up in landfill sites or recycling channels that are unable to handle such massive volumes. The consequences? Increased pollution from toxic electronic components and a disproportionate demand for energy to produce new equipment.
Was this article helpful to you?
