
Microsoft makes Windows 10 extended security updates free, but there’s a catch
Tom Warren
created: June 24, 2025, 5 p.m. | updated: June 24, 2025, 9:04 p.m.
Microsoft revealed last year that it will charge consumers $30 for a year of extra security updates to Windows 10.
Now, it’s allowing consumers to enroll into its Extended Security Updates (ESU) free of charge ahead of the Windows 10 end of support on October 14th.
That’s the catch for free extended updates on Windows 10.
Image: MicrosoftConsumers will only get extended security updates for Windows 10 until October 13th, 2026, but businesses have the option to purchase up to three years of important security updates.
Microsoft is also making ESU free for Windows 10 devices that are accessing Windows 11 Cloud PCs through its Windows 365 and Virtual Machines.
3 days, 19 hours ago: The Verge