Microsoft: Support extension for Windows 10 also for private users
Until now, Microsoft has only offered an extended support period to corporate customers. For the first time, it is now also available for private customers.
Updates are available.
(Image: Bild erstellt mit KI in Bing Designer durch heise online / dmk)
The end of support for Windows 10 is fast approaching – in one year's time, on October 14, 2025. As with older Windows versions such as Windows 7 and 8, corporate customers can purchase extended update support with security patches as part of the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. For the first time, Microsoft is also offering this to private users.
In a blog post, Microsoft has once again reminded users of the end of support for Windows 10. The Redmond-based company describes in great detail the options for switching to Windows 11 and extols the benefits of the latest version of Windows.
ESU option announced for home users
At the very end of the article, there is a reference to the Extended Security Updates. PCs equipped with these updates will continue to receive critical and important security updates, the company explains, but no new features, bug fixes or technical support. "And for the first time ever, we are also launching a consumer ESU program," Microsoft writes. "The consumer ESU program will be a one-year option for $30. The program will become available near the end of the 2025 support period."
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The Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10 will require a Windows 10 system with version 22H2. Business customers can purchase support extensions for up to a maximum of three years, after which Windows 10 support will end in October 2028 at the latest. PCs equipped with this will continue to work, but security vulnerabilities will remain open. Cyber criminals regularly exploit these to extend their rights in systems, infiltrate or move around in networks, for espionage or for ransomware attacks, for example. From a security perspective, such systems can therefore only be operated in isolation and should be replaced by systems with supported software.
Microsoft had already offered extended support for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 – and of course also for server systems such as Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2. These expired in January 2023, when the last security updates were released for these old systems.
(dmk)
