Microsoft is giving an extension to its Windows 10 operating system, but not by any means for free. The support ends in October 2025, after which security updates must be paid for.
Microsoft encourages you to upgrade to the Windows 11 operating system. If you want to continue using the old service, you will have to pay for its security updates from October 2025. Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
Windows 10 is by far the most popular Windows operating system at the time of writing, so Microsoft’s decision to continue supporting it may not come as a surprise to everyone.
Instead, what is surprising is that it was immediately decided to extend the support period by no less than three years. In practice, therefore, security fixes will be published for Windows 10 until 2028.
Microsoft offered a paid support period extension for the Windows 7 operating system. The purpose was that those companies that could not move on yet could buy more life for their equipment.
This time, Microsoft is extending the offer to regular consumer customers as well. However, the downside is that consumers also have to shell out money for Windows 10 updates. So there is apparently no extension of time free of charge. Also, the price is not yet known.
Microsoft is not ready to cover all data security gaps, even for a fee, but the paid extension of the support period only covers data security fixes that the company classifies as critical and important, GHacks write.
Many devices do not meet the strict device requirements of Windows 11, which is why many companies and users have decided to stay with Windows 10 for the time being. However, time was running out, but with Microsoft’s latest decision, there is now more available – as long as you are willing to pay for it.