Extending Windows 10 Security Updates: What You Need to Know
For those who prefer to remain within the familiar confines of Windows 10 beyond October 2025, Microsoft has laid out a pathway for continued security updates. If an upgrade to Windows 11 isn’t in your plans, understanding the options available for extending support becomes essential.
To initiate the process of extending security updates, users will need to navigate to a specific button within the system settings of Windows 10. However, it’s worth noting that Microsoft has been somewhat sluggish in rolling out the necessary menu for this feature.
The “Enroll now (ESU)” wizard, designed to facilitate the extension of Windows 10 support, has been making its appearance since late July 2025. Yet, reports from Windows Latest indicate that the uptake among users has been slow, with many still awaiting access to this critical feature.
Once activated for your device, the ESU wizard will be accessible via the Windows Update page. This interface will present three distinct options for receiving extended updates, allowing users to secure an additional year of vital security support for their operating system.
As of now, only a select group of Windows 10 users have visibility into this menu. Microsoft has confirmed that the rollout of the ESU wizard is gradual, leaving users in a waiting game with no control over when they will gain access. Fortunately, there remains ample time for users to register for the extended support period, which will remain open until October 13, 2025.
In a recent shift, Microsoft announced that it would not be terminating support for Windows 10 in October 2025 as initially planned. Instead, users are presented with three options—two of which are complimentary—to continue receiving security updates. Additionally, there exists an unofficial route through the free application known as UpDownTool.
While the rollout of the ESU wizard has been met with delays, Microsoft has not hesitated to remind users of the impending end of support for Windows 10. Recently, full-screen notifications have begun appearing, urging users to upgrade their PCs before the support deadline. This messaging can be somewhat misleading, as the option to “Keep Windows 10” is subtly tucked away in a corner, overshadowed by the more prominent upgrade prompt to Windows 11.
