Microsoft reopens Home windows 10 beta testing for ‘new options’ and enhancements

Microsoft is ending assist for Home windows 10 in October 2025, however the firm is now taking the bizarre step of reopening its beta program for Home windows 10 to check new options and enhancements.

Home windows 10 already obtained the AI Copilot function that was initially unique to Home windows 11, and it could effectively get different options quickly. “To carry new options and extra enhancements to Home windows 10 as wanted, we want a spot to do lively function improvement with Home windows Insiders,” explains Microsoft’s Home windows Insider workforce in a weblog put up. “So at the moment, we’re opening the Beta Channel for Home windows Insiders who’re at present on Home windows 10.”

Microsoft hasn’t revealed what further Home windows 10 options it plans to check subsequent, however Home windows Insiders can choose into the beta channel to get them early. Crucially, the Home windows 10 finish of assist date of October 14th, 2025 continues to be unchanged. “Becoming a member of the Beta Channel in your Home windows 10 PC doesn’t change that,” says Microsoft.

Microsoft initially mentioned it was executed with main Home windows 10 updates final yr, earlier than its change in strategy to carry extra options to an OS that will likely be formally unsupported in round 16 months time. The software program big describes this variation as a manner “to ensure everybody can get the utmost worth from their present Home windows PC.”

Shoppers utilizing Home windows 10 will even be supplied paid safety updates for the primary time ever as soon as the OS hits finish of assist in October 2025. Microsoft just lately revealed companies might want to pay $61 per gadget for a yr of safety updates. That charge doubles to $122 for the second yr after which doubles once more in yr three to $244. Pricing for client safety updates hasn’t been revealed but, with Microsoft promising it “will likely be shared at a later date.”

Microsoft continues to attempt to get customers to improve to Home windows 11, however tens of millions of PCs can’t improve formally to Home windows 11 as a consequence of its strict {hardware} necessities and Microsoft’s safety push with its newest OS. Home windows 11 is simply supported on CPUs launched from 2018 onward and with gadgets that assist TPM safety chips.

Home windows 11 utilization has lagged behind Home windows 10, with StatCounter itemizing Home windows 11 at almost 28 p.c of all Home windows model market share for Could 2024. Home windows 10 continues to be at 68 p.c, 9 years after its launch in 2015.