This month’s Windows updates are set to roll out automatically on Patch Tuesday, November 11. However, for those still using Windows 10, a significant change is on the horizon. Official support for Windows 10 has concluded, meaning that PCs running this operating system with default settings will no longer receive essential monthly security updates from the Windows Update servers. Yet, there’s no immediate need to rush into purchasing a new device. Microsoft has introduced options that enable users to continue receiving security updates until October 2026, a full year beyond the original end-of-support date.
Initially, Microsoft announced Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 11 at a subscription cost of . Recognizing that millions of consumers were not prepared to upgrade their devices, the company pivoted and introduced free enrollment options for the ESU program just months before the end-of-support date. This initiative now allows any PC running Windows 10 to access free ESU subscriptions, including those consumer PCs that do not meet the compatibility requirements for a free upgrade to Windows 11.
For personal devices, ESU coverage begins immediately and extends through October 13, 2026. To activate this subscription, users must enroll with a Microsoft account. Once registered, the account holder can apply the update eligibility to as many as 10 PCs by signing into each one with the same account. Importantly, the ESU subscription is tied to the PC rather than the user, allowing flexibility in account management after enrollment.
Who’s eligible?
The ESU subscription is available to any personal Windows 10 PC running version 22H2, including Home, Professional, Pro Education, and Workstation editions, provided the latest cumulative update is installed. However, Enterprise and Education editions are excluded from this offer, as are PCs joined to an Active Directory domain or registered with Mobile Device Management software like Windows Intune. Enrollment requires an administrator account, and child accounts are not permitted.
Microsoft has indicated that the availability of consumer ESU program enrollment may vary by region, and a comprehensive list of eligible countries and languages can be found on their support page. For those in Europe, the process is notably simpler; customers in any of the 30 countries within the European Economic Area (EEA) qualify for free ESU subscriptions without needing a Microsoft account.
Here’s how to sign up
To enroll in the ESU program, users can navigate to Settings > Windows Update on a personal device running the latest version of Windows 10. The enrollment link will be prominently displayed. Upon clicking “Enroll now,” an enrollment wizard will guide users through the process.
For those already signed in with a Microsoft account and who have utilized the Windows Backup program, the enrollment process is straightforward. However, if users are signed in with a local account or have not previously used Windows Backup, they may need to follow additional steps to complete the enrollment.
While using Windows Backup to sync settings to the cloud is a viable option, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with significant data storage needs. Alternatively, users can redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or pay the fee, which varies by region outside the U.S.
If you’re in Europe, ESU subscriptions are free
For customers in Europe, the ESU subscription process is even more accessible, as they automatically qualify for free subscriptions without the need for a Microsoft account. This provision has been confirmed by Microsoft and is aimed at simplifying the transition for users in the EEA.
What about PCs on business networks?
Enterprise customers, however, do not have access to these free options and will incur higher costs for commercial ESU subscriptions, starting at per device per year, with prices doubling in subsequent years. These subscriptions are available through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Program or via Microsoft’s Cloud Service Provider partners.
What if you’re not seeing the ESU offer?
If the ESU offer does not appear, users should verify that they meet all eligibility requirements, including having the latest updates installed and being signed in with a Microsoft account. It may take up to a day for the option to become visible. While some may attempt registry edits or PowerShell commands to expedite the process, these methods have proven inconsistent.
What’s the catch with the free options?
While the option to sync settings to the cloud via Windows Backup may seem straightforward, it could lead to complications for users with extensive data. To avoid potential storage issues, it is advisable to ensure that OneDrive is not signed in prior to enrolling in the ESU subscription. Alternatively, redeeming Microsoft Rewards points can be a simpler route if users have accumulated enough through their activities on Microsoft platforms.
The introduction of extended security updates for Windows 10 consumer PCs is a significant step towards enhancing security for a user base that remains larger than anticipated post end-of-support. However, this one-year extension serves as a temporary reprieve, necessitating users to consider long-term solutions ahead of the October 2026 deadline.
