There’s is now less than a year until Microsoft ends all free support for Windows 10 leaving users with some tough choices to make. Once the October 2025 deadline is reached those with Windows 10 still installed must either switch to Windows 11 or sign up to Microsoft’s premium Extended Security Updates (ESU) plan to stay safe.

Until now we’ve only known about businesses rates for ESUs but that’s now changed with the Redmond company confirming how much consumers will need to pay to keep their devices protected.

Microsoft says it will charge $30 (£24) per year with enrolled PCs then able to receive “Critical and Important security updates” for Windows 10.

Explaining more, Yusuf Mehdi, Executive Vice President, Consumer Chief Marketing Officer at Windows said: “We understand that some of you may require additional time while moving to a new Windows 11 PC or Copilot+ PC. During this period, you may wish to take steps to help secure your existing PC.

“For the first time ever, we’re introducing an ESU program for personal use as well. 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.”

It’s thought that ESUs will be available for three years which will give Windows 10 fans a little more time to get ready for the big switch.

Although this is good news it is worth noting that ESUs only offer those critical updates and not much else.

In fact, Microsoft is keen to point out that moving to Windows 11 is still the best option for most with the firm saying ESUs won’t offer new features and bug fixes – technical support will also no longer be available from Microsoft.

“Starting Oct. 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates. As security threats evolve and adapt, so must our operating systems and hardware. Because of this, we designed Windows 11 to be the most secure version of Windows ever — by default and design — to help you stay ahead of those risks,” Mehdi added.

Most new Windows 10 machines should be able to switch over to Windows 10 but older models might not have the correct system requirements to allow the installation.

That will mean a new PC needs to be purchased to stay protected.

If that’s not an option for you right now then ESUs will be available next year for that small fee so be prepared to sign up if you want to stay safe.

To install or upgrade to Windows 11, devices must meet the following minimum hardware requirements:

Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip (SoC).

Memory: 4 gigabytes (GB) or greater.

Storage: 64 GB or greater available disk space.

Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver.

System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.

TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.

Display: High definition (720p) display, 9″ or greater monitor, 8 bits per color channel.

Internet connection: Internet connectivity is necessary to perform updates, and to download and use some features.