Security News > 2023 > December > Microsoft will offer extended security updates for Windows 10

Microsoft will not abandon Windows 10 users to an insecure fate once it reaches end of support on October 14, 2025: both enterprises and individual consumers will be able receive Extended Security Updates, but will have to pay for them.

"The ESU program enables PCs to continue to receive critical and important security updates through an annual subscription service after support ends. To be eligible to install updates from the ESU program, devices must be running Windows 10, version 22H2," Microsoft says.

Naturally, Microsoft would like enterprises to replace their Windows 10 devices before the EOS date, but acknowledges that's not always possible for everyone.

ESUs will be free for users with Windows 10 PCs and a Windows 365 subscription and those who run a Windows 10 instance in Azure Virtual Desktop, said Jason Leznek, a product manager at the Windows Servicing and Delivery team.

He also added that Windows 10 IoT Enterprise Long-Term Servicing Channel and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise will continue to receive updates based on their specific lifecycles - which means until January 9, 2029 and January 12, 2027, respectively.

Devices running Windows 10 IoT Enterprise - "a full version of Windows Enterprise that delivers enterprise manageability and security to IoT solutions" - include kiosks, digital signs, etc.

News URL

https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2023/12/06/esu-windows-10/