Hold onto your hats, Windows 10 users! While professionals received their warning shot earlier, Microsoft is pulling the plug on support for Windows 10 come October 14, 2025. After a decade-long reign, it’s time to bid farewell to the familiar interface as Windows 11 takes center stage.
Don’t fret, though! Microsoft isn’t leaving you stranded. They’re offering a lifeline: paid security updates. Think of it as a safety net for those who aren’t ready to jump ship to Windows 11 just yet.
A One-Time Deal for Everyday Users
Professionals, who haven’t fully migrated to Windows 11, were already informed in April 2024 about the hefty price tag: $61 for the first year, escalating to a whopping $244 by 2027. But for the average user, the cost of staying secure on Windows 10 is a more palatable $30 in 2026 (the euro equivalent is still under wraps).
Here’s the catch: this one-time payment gets you a single annual security update. It’s a one-year band-aid, not a permanent solution. Microsoft emphasizes that this is a “short-term” option, clearly signaling that the long-term future lies with Windows 11.
And there’s a reason for that nudge: Windows 11 demands a certain level of hardware sophistication. Sadly, a significant chunk of computers out there simply don’t meet the requirements. A recent report estimates that one in five computers will become obsolete with the end of Windows 10 support, leaving over 240 million devices vulnerable.
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