Windows 10 He has already marked in red on October 14, 2025, day you will stop receiving updates If you don’t hire The ESU Plan. For Microsoft, what seemed like a problem is Also a business. An analysis firm estimates that the program could leave billions of dollars only in the corporate sector.
Before the imminent end of Windows 10 support, the company insists that the best option is to update to Windows 11buy new equipment or use Windows 365 to access the cloud system. The change will affect both companies and individuals, who will have to decide how to continue.
ESU: The proposal for Windows 10 and reinforces Microsoft accounts
ESU is the official Microsoft offer for those who cannot leave Windows 10 in 2025. In exchange for an annual subscription, the teams receive only critical and important security updates. There is no standard technical support or new functions. The requirement is clear: to have version 22H2 installed. Microsoft describes it as a temporary continuity tool, not as a substitute for migration to Windows 11.
The ESU business scheme is designed as a price ladder: $ 61 per device the first year, 122 the second and 244 the third, always with a three -year limit. Microsoft clarifies that The subscription is cumulative: Entering later does not reduce the cost. Access will be managed by volume licenses and activation keys will only be operational after October 14, 2025, the end of the free Windows 10 support.
For private users, Microsoft has raised a different approach: a unique quota of 30 dollars to access security updates for 12 months, with alternative options for not paying. It will be possible to activate ESU by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or using the Windows Backup application to make a backupwhich will unlock access without cost. Microsoft indicates that it will be enabled soon.
According to Windows Centralwhich cites a detailed analysis of Nexthink, Microsoft could enter until 7,300 million dollars Only in the business segment thanks to ESU. The consultant starts from the official Microsoft data, which in July 2025 estimated at more than 1.4 billion the PC World Park with Windows. Of that total, it is estimated that around 30% corresponds to public and private organizations, which is equivalent to about 420 million devices.
The report also projects that, even with the impulse of Windows 11, about 121 million equipment will continue to run with Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. With the cumulative cost of the program, which doubles the price every year for a maximum of three periods, this user base would generate significant income. They are independent calculations that illustrate ESU’s economic potential, but Microsoft has not confirmed or commented on these figures.
Nexthink figures draw a billionaire business, but reality is yet to be seen: we will have to wait to check how many companies and users pay for prolonging Windows 10. until you install Linuxchange Mac or move to a Chromebook. There is also the possibility of renewing equipment and moving on to Windows 11.
Images | Windows | Arnav Singhal
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