Update: Microsoft now provides 3 options for Windows 10 users to enroll in ESU program, 2 of which are free of charge.
- At no additional cost if you are syncing your PC Settings.
- Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
- One-time purchase of $30 USD or local currency equivalent plus applicable tax.
Learn how to enroll in ESU program
Even the EOL(end of life) date is coming, Windows 10 still occupies 60.97% of desktop Windows market share worldwide. This is really a bad news to Windows 11, as the latter only has a market share of 35.55%.
Windows 11 has been released for 3 years, and this share includes not only new PCs pre-installed, but also some PCs upgraded from Windows 10. So 35.55% is not a good result.
Windows 10’s market share isn’t going to drop quickly
Microsoft will end the support to Windows on Oct 14, 2025, which means users who are still using Windows 10 will not receive updates and bug fixes any more afterwards.
As Windows 10 has such a high market share now, it won’t drop fast before EOL. Leaving countless old devices unprotected will cause big problems, so Microsoft will not let it happend.
Microsoft has had this kind of historical experience before. Back then, the excellent Windows XP also dominated a huge market share. In order to allow a large number of devices using Windows XP to transition smoothly, Microsoft extended support after its EOL and provided paid support options.
Unexpectedly, many years later, this solution landed on Windows 10.
Microsoft’s ESU program for Windows
In 2023, Microsoft has introduced its Extended Security Updates(ESU) program for business and school users. But now, this program has been extended for personal use.
As announced in Windows Experience Blog, home users can enroll to the ESU program to get another one-year security updates, before they switch to Windows 11.
This program costs $30, and its users will not receive new features, bug fixes and technical support, but only security updates to keep secure. Program enrollment will be available closer to the end of support in 2025.
The purpose of charging for ESU program is not to make money, but to urge users to upgrade WIndows 10 to Windows 11.
Who is Windows 10 ESU program for?
ESU program is for users who have to stay on Windows 10. For example, some users’ programs are not compatible with Windows 11, and some users’ old computers cannot be upgraded to Windows 11.
If conditions permit, our recommendation is to move to Windows 11 to get new features and a more secure system.
Finally, let’s talk about this: Are you still using Windows 10? When it reaches EOL, will you pay $30 to join the ESU program? Looking forward to your comments.