Microsoft Clarifies Extension of Windows 10 Support for Home Users

Microsoft has announced a support extension for Windows 10 users, providing important updates even after the official end of support date. The company recently detailed how this extension will work, including options for users to access updates at no additional cost.

Last November, Microsoft revealed that home users would be able to receive an extended support period for Windows 10. Now, further details have been shared, indicating that users can benefit from critical and important security updates even after support officially ends on October 14, 2025.

The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will allow Windows 10 home users to receive monthly updates aimed at safeguarding their systems during the transition to Windows 11. However, it is important to note that this support will not include new features or design changes, as Microsoft does not consider this a long-term solution.

According to Microsoft, this marks the first time that home PCs running Windows 10 can participate in the ESU program, which will provide updates for a full year following the end of official support. However, unlike business users who can access the ESU for up to three years, home users will only have a one-year window for these updates.

A wizard will be integrated into Windows notifications and settings, allowing users to enroll in the ESU program directly from their PCs. This wizard will offer three participation options: the first option is to activate Windows Backup, which synchronizes settings to the cloud and is available at no cost, thus activating the ESU.

The second option involves redeeming Microsoft Reward Points, with users needing 1,000 points to participate, incurring no additional costs. Finally, users can opt to pay a fee of $30, although local pricing may vary.

Once users select an option and follow the prompts, their PCs will begin receiving ESU updates. The ESU for home users will be available from October 15, 2025, to October 13, 2026. Currently, the ESU enrollment wizard is available through the Windows Insider Program and is expected to be rolled out to all Windows 10 users in July, with general availability targeted for mid-August 2025.

For business customers, the standard ESU pricing remains at $61 per machine per year, with the option available for up to three years post-official support termination. However, costs are expected to increase in subsequent years. The business ESU will be available through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Program starting today, with cloud service providers offering it from September 1, 2025.

Microsoft will automatically provide the ESU for cloud and virtual environments, notably for Azure cloud PCs accessed by Windows 10 devices, without any additional costs or actions required from administrators.

While the Windows Backup option is touted as free, its actual cost-effectiveness may depend on the volume of data users choose to store in Microsoft's cloud. The free storage on OneDrive is limited to 5 GB, and users' documents and other files may exceed this limit. Microsoft Reward Points can be earned through the use of various Microsoft services, which could involve users sharing their data.