Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10 Home and Pro versions in October 2025. The security updates are an “extended support” that the tech giant offers its users after they had halted providing “mainstream support” (which included features, bug fixes, and security updates) in May 2020. Perhaps the intent is to push users to upgrade to Windows 11 or buy new devices that come pre-installed with the Windows 11 operating system.
See also: Windows 11 compatibility check: How to know if your laptop or PC is eligible for an upgrade
While the extended support ends in October 2025 for Windows 10 Home and Pro, Microsoft will still offer a paid option called Extended Security Updates (ESU). ESU will allow businesses to keep getting critical security updates for a limited time after the official end of the extended support. However, ESU can be expensive, with yearly fees starting at around USD$27 (approx. UGX100,000) per device. For companies with a lot of Windows 10 computers, this can add up quickly.
OPatch: An affordable security option
Luckily, there are other choices besides Microsoft’s ESU program. Security companies like 0patch offer solutions to fill the gap left when Microsoft stops supporting an operating system.
OPatch uses a new way of fixing security problems called “micro-patching.” Instead of giving you big updates with many fixes, they deliver small patches for just the specific vulnerabilities that need attention. This has several advantages including;
- Less chance of problems: Micropatches are smaller than traditional updates, so they’re less likely to cause new issues or make your computer unstable.
- Faster updates: Micropatches are small, so they can be delivered and installed quickly, with less downtime for your computer.
- Easier to manage: Micropatches are targeted, so you don’t have to deal with update fatigue from getting lots of big updates all the time.
OPatch has already used micro-patching to keep older versions of Windows and Office secure, even after Microsoft stopped supporting them. This suggests they’re likely to keep supporting Windows 10 even after October 2025.
One of the biggest benefits of using 0patch instead of Microsoft’s ESU program is the cost. Individual subscriptions from 0patch are much cheaper than the yearly fees for ESU. While prices can vary, estimates show that 0patch subscriptions can be as low as USD$61 (approx. UGX227,000) per device, compared to Microsoft’s USD$27 (approx. UGX100,000) annual fee.
This cost savings can be a big deal for companies with a lot of Windows 10 computers. The money saved can be used for other important IT needs.
See also: How to install an operating system on a PC (Windows, Mac, and Linux)
