Microsoft is essentially giving personal users two options: Update to Windows 11, or sign up to receive extended security updates for 12 months.
These can be done in the “Privacy and Security” section of your settings.
People who own PCs eligible for Windows 11 can upgrade for free.
However, many people “will have to purchase new devices – despite the fact that their current computers work just fine,” said Mr Proctor.
If you don’t want to upgrade straight away, or your device is too old for Windows 11, you can sign up to a scheme which will continue the most important security updates until October 2026.
This is called Extended Security Updates, external (ESU) – but it does not offer any technical support or other software updates.
People living in the European Economic Area will get it for free by registering. For other users to get it for free, they need to have updated to the latest version of Windows 10, have a Microsoft account and backed up their PC settings.
Otherwise, you have to pay a $30 (£22) fee or use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points to access ESU.
For commercial organisations using Windows 10, it will cost $61 per device.
The exact amount you pay depends on where in the world you live.
