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Microsoft Offers Extra Year for Windows 10 Updates
26 Jun
Summary
- Windows 10 security updates extended until October 2027.
- Users can get security updates by paying $30 or 30,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
- Windows 10 market share in the US dropped from 35% to 23% since January.
Microsoft has announced an extension of its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10, pushing the deadline for personal devices to October 12, 2027. This provides users with an additional year to migrate to Windows 11 while continuing to receive essential security updates. The decision comes amid speculation about rising upgrade costs and Microsoft's approach to Windows 11 adoption.
While Windows 11 is a free upgrade, its stringent hardware requirements often necessitate purchasing a new PC, a significant cost for many. Microsoft's ESU program, initially set to end sooner, now offers a reprieve, allowing users more time to prepare for the transition. Users can opt into the ESU program for a fee of $30 or by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
The shift away from Windows 10 is evident in its declining market share, which has fallen from 35 percent to 23 percent in the United States since January. Despite this, user hesitancy towards Windows 11 persists due to concerns about AI integration and other changes. Microsoft aims to improve the Windows 11 user experience to encourage a smoother transition.
