HardwareFreaks

Tag: ESU

  • Microsoft introduces free Windows 10 extended security update options

    The digital world is constantly evolving, and for many users, this evolution presents a choice: upgrade to the newest operating system or stay put with familiar tools. Microsoft has recently confirmed an extended lifeline for Windows 10, offering support through Extended Security Updates (ESUs) until October 12th, 2027.

    This decision follows the end of general support on October 14th, effectively giving users and organizations extra time to plan their transition to Windows 11. While this extension provides a temporary solution, it has inadvertently created a new pause button for those who are hesitant about the switch.

    The ESU program was initially conceived as a bridge for managing complex migration processes to Windows 11. However, over time, it has morphed into an option that many users choose to rely on, despite warnings from Microsoft that prolonged reliance is not ideal. The company cautioned that extending support long-term leaves systems vulnerable to unsupported components and software incompatibilities.

    Despite these warnings about long-term stability, the extended window offers flexibility for many. This move means that many users will likely remain on Windows 10 for an additional year as they weigh their options.

    To make this extended access more manageable, Microsoft has rolled out specific enrollment procedures and tiered pricing structures, particularly for users in the European Economic Area (EEA). Users within the EEA will receive the ESU package free of charge for one year when signing in with a Microsoft Account. However, those utilizing a local account must factor in a 30-dollar fee to maintain this support.

    Furthermore, users have cost-effective ways to enroll without direct payment. They can opt into ESU at no cost by syncing their PC settings through Windows Backup or by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. To streamline the process, Microsoft is currently rolling out a new enrolment wizard via Windows Insiders, with broader availability anticipated by mid-August.

    For those leveraging cloud technology, access remains worry-free. Devices that utilize Windows 11 Cloud PCs through services like Windows 365 or virtual machines will receive these Extended Security Updates at no extra cost, simplifying the transition for cloud-based environments.

    Credit: KitGuru

  • Windows 10 gets yet another year of life as Microsoft extends security updates into 2027

    For those who still hold onto Windows 10, there is genuinely some good news on the horizon: the waiting game just got a little longer. Microsoft has extended its Extended Security Updates program, giving enthusiasts and die-hards an extra year of crucial security protection.

    This reprieve is significant, especially as the industry continually pushes users toward newer operating systems. Support for Windows 10 was slated to end in October 2025. While feature updates were already dead, the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program ensured that older machines remained protected from malware and ransomware—a non-negotiable necessity in today’s digital world.

    To keep that security shield active, users had the option to pay Microsoft $30 per year. This mechanism allowed those who preferred to stick with Windows 10 to maintain protection even after official support concluded.

    The initial plan was for this extended support period to last until October 2026. However, recent updates have shifted the timeline, extending the ESU availability until October 2027. This extension offers a tangible boost for anyone committed to keeping their current setup running safely.

    This decision highlights a broader pattern in the PC landscape: an ongoing tension between new innovation and the reality of hardware economics. While Windows 11 demands more powerful systems, pushing users toward expensive upgrades can be daunting, especially when confronted by the relentless pace of technological change.

    The need for this extension comes into sharp focus when considering the wider hardware environment. The recent “Rampocalypse”—the intense price increases in memory and components—has forced a painful reckoning. This pressure has led some industry observers to speculate that motherboard makers are quietly flirting with a return to older standards, such as DDR3, simply to keep existing machines functional rather than forcing an immediate, expensive migration.

    Ultimately, the extended ESU window acts as a temporary anchor, allowing users flexibility. It acknowledges that even in a world obsessed with the next big thing and the latest specs, there remains a viable path for those who value stability and continuity. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best security update is simply one more year of peace of mind.

    Credit: PC Gamer

  • Microsoft extends free Windows 10 security updates for a second year — program now ends on October 12, 2027

    Microsoft gives Windows 10 users an extra year of security breathing room

    In a move designed to ease the transition for millions, Microsoft has extended its free consumer Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program by another year. This decision grants users more flexibility and time to decide on their next operating system while ensuring continued security coverage.

    The new cutoff date for critical security patches is now October 14th, 2027. This extension provides a crucial safety net, pushing the end of support back by an additional year. For users who are hesitant or unable to immediately migrate to Windows 11, this extra period offers valuable breathing room.

    How do you sign up? The process remains straightforward. Users can enroll for free by syncing their PC settings to a Microsoft account via Windows Backup, redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or opt for a one-time fee of $30. This flexibility is particularly welcomed by consumers globally; in Europe, the extension was made completely free upon signing in with a Microsoft account, addressing concerns raised by consumer groups.

    It’s important to remember that this program targets personal devices only. Corporate and managed systems, those controlled by Active Directory or Mobile Device Management, are not eligible. This focus ensures that the ESU extension serves individual users navigating their personal technology landscape.

    The context for this choice is rapidly evolving. Windows 11 has seen a remarkable surge in market adoption, claiming roughly 73% of desktop share against Windows 10’s 26%. This shift highlights the massive momentum toward the new operating system.

    However, the transition isn’t seamless for everyone. A significant number of users remain anchored to Windows 10 because their hardware simply can’t keep up. Around 400 million active PCs face a roadblock: failing to meet the minimum requirements for upgrading, such as missing TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, or supported processors.

    This brings us to the real-world hurdle: hardware and economics. The current push toward Artificial Intelligence (AI) is creating an intense scarcity of high-bandwidth memory (DRAM). As manufacturers like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron divert wafer capacity toward AI accelerators, the cost of memory has skyrocketed.

    Consequently, DRAM contract prices have roughly doubled since early last year and are expected to double again. This pressure is expected to ripple through the entire PC market, with analysts forecasting that PCs, tablets, and smartphones will see price increases of 10% to 20% through the end of 2026.

    For those unwilling to face the expense of new hardware right now, creative workarounds are emerging. Organizations like 0patch are offering unofficial security patches for Windows 10 until 2030, and migration efforts focused on Linux continue to provide viable alternatives for users whose machines are held back by technological limitations.

    Credit: Tom’s Hardware