Windows News and info 15th Anniversary 2009-2024
Giants in Tech => Microsoft => Topic started by: javajolt on May 07, 2025, 04:09:14 PM
-
What You Need to Know
Microsoft will soon begin charging a small $1.50 monthly fee for security updates on older Windows systems. Here’s what this means, who’s affected, and how to prepare.
(http://i.ibb.co/gGNYV9h/1746441393380-161c280b-1853-4e67-a46b-a410ef1be67d.png)
Introduction
Microsoft has announced that starting July 1, 2025, some Windows users will need to pay $1.50 per month (about $18 per year) if they want to continue receiving essential security updates for older versions like Windows 10.
This marks a big shift in how Microsoft handles extended support and many are wondering whether to pay, upgrade, or take the risk of going without updates.
(http://i.ibb.co/d4qXBJZb/Untitled.png)
What’s Changing?
When official support for Windows 10 ends in October 2025, users who want to keep receiving security patches will need to enroll in an Extended Security Update (ESU) program.
For the first time, Microsoft is offering this to individual consumers, not just businesses, at a cost of:
• $1.50 per month
• Or roughly $18 per year
(http://i.ibb.co/d4qXBJZb/Untitled.png)
Who’s Affected?
This applies to:
• Home and Pro users on Windows 10
• Users who cannot (or choose not to) upgrade to Windows 11
• Older PCs that don’t meet Windows 11 hardware requirements but still need protection
✅ Windows 11 users are not affected, they continue to get free updates.
(http://i.ibb.co/d4qXBJZb/Untitled.png)
Why Is Microsoft Doing This?
Microsoft says the fee helps:
• Cover the costs of maintaining patches for outdated systems
• Reduce the security risks of unsupported devices
• Encourage users to upgrade to newer, more secure platforms
(http://i.ibb.co/d4qXBJZb/Untitled.png)
Is Paying Worth It?
For many users, $1.50/month is a small price for:
• Continued critical security patches
• Peace of mind, especially if you can’t upgrade right away
But long-term, upgrading to Windows 11 or beyond is the better move:
• No extra fees
• Access to the latest features and protections
• Better app and hardware compatibility
(http://i.ibb.co/d4qXBJZb/Untitled.png)
How to Prepare
Here’s what you should do:
1. Check if your device is eligible for a free Windows 11 upgrade
2. Review which older devices actually need extended updates
3. Sign up for Microsoft’s ESU program if you decide to stay on Windows 10 past October 2025
(http://i.ibb.co/d4qXBJZb/Untitled.png)
Final Thoughts
Microsoft’s new $1.50 security update fee is a reasonable short-term option for users stuck on Windows 10, but it’s not a permanent solution.
If possible, plan your upgrade path now so you can stay secure without extra costs.
source (http://paget96projects.com/blog/microsoft-confirms-windows-security-update-fee-starting-july-what-you-need-to-know)