No, Your Business Doesn’t Get Free Windows 10 Updates
Several news outlets have published articles explaining how to receive a free year of Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 past its scheduled end-of-life date of Oct. 14, 2025.
As a small business decision-maker, you may have seen some of these headlines, but it’s missing the full story.
Let’s clear up the confusion by discussing the free year of security updates, who they affect and what options you have for your small business employees.
Free Security Updates Only Apply to Home Version of Windows 10
This ESU Program for consumers only applies to the Home version of Windows, not to the Pro version that small businesses and our clients use.
According to Microsoft, you can get a free year of security updates that will run through Oct. 13, 2026, if you meet one of the following conditions:
- Use Windows Backup to sync your settings to the cloud — at no additional cost.
- Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points — at no additional cost.
“As we inch closer to Windows 10’s end-of-life date, you’ll probably see more and more of these stories about getting free security updates. Just remember, it only applies to consumers.”
Additionally, you can pay $30 to receive an extra year of security updates. Again, this does not apply to small businesses that use the Pro version of Windows.
However, if your organization needs to continue running Windows 10 after the deadline, like a line-of-business software that is not compatible with Windows 11, Microsoft offers a last-resort option.
What’s the ESU Program for Businesses?
The ESU Program for businesses allows you to continue receiving security updates past Windows 10’s retirement date for $61 per license. The updates, just like the consumer version, run through Oct. 13, 2026.
Up to three additional years can be purchased for Windows 10, meaning you could receive security updates until Oct. 10, 2028.
For two years of coverage, the price doubles to $122, and for three years of coverage, the price again doubles to $244. So, a three-year ESU subscription will cost: $61 (Year 1) + $122 (Year 2) + $244 (Year 3) for a total of $427 per computer.
Unfortunately, there is no way for small businesses to get an extra year of Windows 10 support for free.
Need to Upgrade to Windows 11?
As we inch closer to Windows 10’s end-of-life date, you’ll probably see more and more of these stories about getting free security updates. Just remember, it only applies to consumers.
If you want to transition to Windows 11, either by upgrading your current computers or replacing older ones, we can help you with the transition. Contact us here to schedule a meeting to discuss the process and how we’ll upgrade your stock of computers with minimal business interruption.
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