Windows 10 users who are hesitant to make the switch to Windows 11 now have a glimmer of hope. Micropatch provider 0Patch has declared that it will continue to support Windows 10 even after its end-of-life date in October 2025. This support will include critical security updates and bug fixes, as reported by Tom’s Hardware.
While the tech world eagerly anticipates the demise of Windows 10, 0Patch's dedication to the operating system brings a ray of light. The company’s commitment includes various types of patches, such as “0day” patches for addressing critical vulnerabilities, “Wontfix” patches to mend broken apps and neglected features, and “Non-Microsoft” patches to tackle exploits in third-party Windows applications. These Extended Security Update (ESU) updates will be available until 2030, surpassing Microsoft’s three-year extended support timeline.
Extended Support Plans
However, 0Patch’s updates are not free and are offered through two-year plans. A personal plan is priced at €25.95 (approximately $30), providing users with more updates than Microsoft’s offerings.
Although this isn’t the first time 0Patch has stepped in to prolong the life of an operating system, as they previously provided security patches for Windows 7 after Microsoft discontinued support in 2020, the cost of Microsoft’s ESU system for mainstream users remains unknown. Education tier users will only need to pay $50 for three years, while Enterprise organizations will be charged $100 for the same duration.
Market Implications
While these security updates will extend the lifespan of Windows 10, many users may opt to upgrade, contributing to the projected increase in sales of Windows 11 computers. The U.S. PC market saw a 5% growth in the first quarter of 2024 and is expected to expand by 8% in 2025.
Aside from the end of support for Windows 10, another factor driving users towards upgrading is the availability of PCs with AI support, such as Copilot+ PCs.
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