Free* updates
The recent updates from Microsoft highlight a notable shift towards the integration of Microsoft Accounts, particularly in the context of Windows 11. This trend is not entirely new; Windows 10 also encouraged users to adopt Microsoft Accounts, albeit with a more lenient approach that allowed for local account creation. However, the current “free” update initiative appears to be a strategic move aimed at consolidating users within the Microsoft ecosystem.
The Windows Backup feature is designed to facilitate a seamless transition for users upgrading to a new Windows 11 PC. While Microsoft offers a temporary grace period for Windows 10 users, the overarching objective remains clear: to encourage a migration to Windows 11. Yusuf Medhi, Microsoft’s Consumer Chief Marketing Officer, elaborated on this in a recent blog post, stating, “To help make your move to a Windows 11 PC, as simple and secure as possible, we recommend using Windows Backup—built right into Windows 10. It’s an easy way to help you safely and securely transfer your data, personal files, and most settings and applications, so everything’s ready for you the moment you sign in.”
For those who already possess a Microsoft Account but prefer not to utilize Windows Backup, there is an alternative route through the Microsoft Rewards program. Users may find themselves with the necessary 1,000 points to enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program without much effort. Interestingly, my own Microsoft account has accumulated 3,411 points, seemingly without any deliberate attempts to earn them, despite the 18-month expiration period. New users can quickly gather these points by engaging with the Bing app and conducting various searches.
A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed that signing in with a Microsoft Account is essential for enrolling a PC in the ESU program. Should users choose to reset or reinstall Windows on a new Windows 10 device, they will need to log back into their Microsoft Account to re-enroll in the program. However, once a Windows 10 PC is enrolled in ESU, it retains its status within the program. The spokesperson clarified, “Once enrolled, if you sign out of your Microsoft Account, or if you stop using the Windows Backup app, your PC will continue to receive the security updates afterward.” This assurance provides users with peace of mind as they navigate the evolving landscape of Windows operating systems.
