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Microsoft wants $30 if you want to delay Windows 11 switch. ​Microsoft announced today that Windows 10 home users can delay the switch to Windows 11 for one more year if they're willing to pay $30 for Extended Security Updates (ESU). The company first announced that Windows 10 home users can buy Extended Security Updates in December 2023, but this is the first time that Microsoft put a price on the plan. Windows 10 will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025. After this date, Windows 10 systems will no longer receive bug fixes or security updates patching newly discovered vulnerabilities and defending them from the latest security threats. However, Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) and Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) releases catering to specialized devices, such as those controlling industrial and medical equipment, will receive updates beyond October 2025. For instance, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 reaches its extended end date on January 13, 2032, while Windows 10 2016 LTSB will reach its extended end date on October 13, 2026. "The ESU program for consumers will be a one-year option available for $30. Program enrollment will be available closer to the end of support in 2025," said Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft Executive Vice President and Consumer Chief Marketing Officer. In an update to a tech community blog post, Microsoft also revealed that it will start offering Extended Security Updates to enterprise customers on November 1, while the first ESU will be delivered in November 2025. "We'll share more details on availability of the cloud-based Extended Security Update offer on our price list in the future," Redmond said. Microsoft advises home users who want to switch before Windows 10 reaches the end of support to check if their PC can be upgraded to Windows 11 and buy a new Windows 11 PC if not. "With the Windows 10 End of Support moment, now is the time to move to Windows 11 with confidence. We understand change is never easy, but we are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible," Mehdi added. Statcounter Global Stats data shows over 62% of all Windows systems still run Windows 10, while only 33% run Windows 11.

Daily Brief Summary

MISCELLANEOUS // Microsoft Offers $30 Delay Option for Windows 11 Upgrade

Microsoft has introduced a $30 Extended Security Updates (ESU) option for Windows 10 home users to delay upgrading to Windows 11 for an additional year.

This paid update opportunity allows users to receive crucial security patches even after the general support end date of October 14, 2025.

Specialized versions such as Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC and 2016 LTSB will continue receiving updates beyond the 2025 deadline, with support extending as far as January 2032.

Microsoft plans to make the ESU program available to consumers closer to the 2025 end support date and will start offering Enterprise ESUs from November 2025.

The company advises users whose systems meet upgrade requirements to transition to Windows 11 before support ends to ensure device security.

Statcounter Global Stats data indicates that a significant majority (over 62%) of users still operate on Windows 10, compared to 33% on Windows 11.

Microsoft emphasizes the importance of updating to Windows 11, promising to support users through the transition process.