Get Windows 10 Update Now Available in Microsoft Store
▼ Summary
– Microsoft now sells $30 Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) in its store, allowing users to avoid mandatory Microsoft Account logins for updates.
– The ESU purchase is a one-time payment for one year of security updates and is not a recurring subscription, though taxes may increase the final price.
– Free ESU options remain available but require a Microsoft Account and OneDrive, while upgrading to Windows 11 or buying a new PC are alternative choices.
– A U.S. cyber defense agency warns that unsupported Windows systems risk security vulnerabilities, mandating federal updates by November 4.
– Microsoft aims to integrate AI deeply into Windows 11, planning to rebuild the operating system around artificial intelligence for future PCs.
A new purchasing option for Windows 10 security updates has appeared in the Microsoft Store, offering an alternative for users who prefer not to rely on a free Microsoft Account. Spotted by Windows Latest, the product listing titled “Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU)” provides a pathway for individuals to maintain critical security patches without a mandatory ongoing cloud login. This development arrives just after Microsoft officially ended mainstream support for Windows 10, a significant event given the operating system’s continued use by an estimated 500 million people.
The paid ESU license is priced at $30, though taxes may increase the final cost depending on your location. It is crucial to understand this is a one-time purchase, not a recurring subscription, and it is designed to provide security updates for a limited period of just one more year. The key distinction is that while the free ESU option requires a Microsoft Account and OneDrive, this paid version only needs a single, initial sign-up. After that, users can log out permanently and still receive all subsequent security updates for their local account.
This move addresses a notable point of user frustration. Microsoft’s push for cloud-based accounts has been a significant factor causing many to hesitate before upgrading to Windows 11. The availability of this paid ESU offers a compromise, allowing security-conscious users to stay protected without fully committing to the company’s cloud ecosystem. The urgency for ongoing security support was recently underscored by America’s national cyber defense agency, which mandated federal employees update their systems. This directive highlights the real-world risks of running unsupported software, referencing vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-59230 that can allow attackers to gain higher-level system permissions and compromise entire networks.
For those considering their options, the landscape remains largely unchanged. You can still enroll in the free ESU program with a Microsoft Account, upgrade to Windows 11 if your hardware is compatible, purchase a new computer, or even convert an old Windows 10 machine into a Chromebook. Simultaneously, Microsoft is aggressively advancing its AI ambitions, with an executive stating the company’s vision is to “rewrite the entire operating system around AI” to create what it calls a true “AI PC.” For the vast number of users still on Windows 10, however, the immediate priority is ensuring their current systems remain secure against emerging threats.
(Source: Forbes)
