Microsoft has recently revealed the pricing for additional security updates once Windows 10 reaches the end of support next year. Businesses that continue to use Windows 10 after the October 14, 2025 deadline will need to pay an annual fee for access to Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program in order to receive crucial security fixes.
The initial cost for access to the ESU is $61 per device for the first year, with the option to renew for up to three years. However, the price will double annually after the first year, reaching $122 per device in the second year, and $244 in the third year. It’s important to note that missing a year is not an option, as those who join the program in year two will also need to pay for the first year.
Businesses using Microsoft’s update management tools, such as Intune or Windows Autopatch, will receive a 25% discount on ESU licenses, reducing the cost to $45 per device for the first year for up to five devices.
For customers in the education sector, the prices are significantly lower, with the first year costing $1 per ESU license, $2 in the second year, and $4 in the third year.
While the prices announced are for business customers, Microsoft will also offer consumers the option to join the ESU program for security updates after Windows 10 support ends. However, individual user prices have not been disclosed yet and will be shared at a later date.
According to StatCounter’s data, Windows 10 usage remains far ahead of Windows 11, with Windows 10 accounting for 67.6% of desktop Windows usage in the US, compared to 29.2% for Windows 11.
2024-04-07 11:47:27
Post from www.computerworld.com