FEATURED  Windows  December 6, 2023  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Microsoft recently announced the Extended Security Program for Windows 10, offering three additional years of support beyond its mainstream support end in late 2025. While not a novel concept for enterprise customers, what caught attention was the inclusion of "regular customers" in this program, albeit for an undisclosed fee.

With Windows 11's steep hardware requirements and the inevitability of upgrades, millions of computers are destined to remain on Windows 10. Microsoft, recognizing this challenge, introduced the Extended Security Updates program for wider accessibility. However, it raises concerns about whether regular consumers will be willing to pay for security updates, especially when they have been accustomed to free updates.

For PC enthusiasts, keeping software up-to-date is crucial, but the majority of regular users may not prioritize it. Many Windows 10 users might overlook the importance of an updated operating system, questioning the need to pay for abstract security updates when their computers still perform daily tasks adequately.

The introduction of a paid support model also opens up new opportunities for scammers to exploit unsuspecting users. The risk of fraudulent activities increases, with scammers potentially taking advantage of users' lack of awareness about the Extended Security Updates program.

To mitigate the situation, Microsoft might resort to inundating Windows 10 with notifications and banners about the impending end of support and the Extended Security Updates program. This, however, raises concerns about user experience and the potential for annoyance in the final months of Windows 10's mainstream support.

Microsoft's decision to opt for paid updates for regular consumers, it's a bit off,  in fact a company of its scale could afford to provide a few more years of support without resorting to controversial practices. The argument revolves around whether charging users for security updates is a reasonable solution or an attempt to offload responsibility onto consumers.

As Windows 10, with its one billion monthly active devices, continues to be a significant player, Microsoft faces the challenge of balancing user expectations, security concerns, and the evolving landscape of operating systems. It's important to underscore the importance of finding a solution that doesn't hold users hostage or force unnecessary upgrades. By the way Microsoft should know that the vast majority of users will not upgrade their machines to Windows 11. 

Microsoft prioritize the need to make Windows 11 the main product of their catalog - that's understandable - but they should take in consideration that the hardware requirements are a huge bottleneck for many users and/ir operative situations. Instead of the proposed scheme (which is frankly a low marketing scheme) they should consider special upgrade fees and maybe to drop some Windows 11' system requirements in order to make it easier for users to upgrade. They probably have miscalculated some data here, for sure. 

In the rapidly changing world of technology, Microsoft's approach to Windows 10's post-mainstream support era sparks inevitable debates about responsibility, user awareness, and the evolving dynamics of software support in the digital age.

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