As of Tuesday, October 14, users of Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, marking the end of an era for the decade-old operating system. Despite its age, Windows 10 remains a staple for nearly 41% of PC owners, amounting to approximately 400 million devices worldwide. However, with the cessation of updates, those without Windows 11 support will find their systems officially outdated.
In a bid to ease the transition, Microsoft has announced an extension of support for Windows 10, offering an additional year of security updates. Users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which will keep their devices secure until October 13, 2026. Microsoft emphasizes that this program is a temporary measure, designed to assist users in migrating to a newer, supported platform.
Given the serious nature of security vulnerabilities, the ESU program serves as a crucial lifeline for individuals who are either unable or unwilling to upgrade to Windows 11. The enrollment fee for this program is set at , although users in Europe can take advantage of free enrollment. Additionally, there are two other options for users globally: syncing settings to a OneDrive account or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
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How do I enroll in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates for Windows 10?
To begin the enrollment process, ensure that your PC is running the latest version of Windows 10, specifically version 22H2. You can verify your version by navigating to Settings, then selecting Windows Update and clicking on View Update History. Administrative privileges are also required for this process.
Once confirmed, revisit Settings and Windows Update. Look for the notifications in the top right corner of the interface, which will indicate that “Windows 10 support ends in October 2025” and provide a link to enroll in the Extended Security Updates. This link will launch the enrollment wizard, where you can choose to sync your settings with OneDrive, pay the fee, or utilize your Microsoft Rewards points.
The enrollment for the ESU program remains open until October 13, 2026. While this program is intended as a temporary solution, businesses have the option to purchase up to three additional years of updates. Microsoft has provided detailed guidance for enabling Extended Security Updates, although the enrollment option may not yet be available for all users, as the rollout of the enrollment wizard continues across various markets.
How do I get Windows 10 security updates for free?
For those looking to enroll in the Windows Extended Security Updates program without incurring costs, there are two viable options. Users can either sync their Windows settings with a OneDrive account linked to their PC or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. If you lack a surplus of rewards points, utilizing Windows Backup to save your PC’s data is the recommended route for free security updates.
When navigating the ESU enrollment wizard, you will encounter three choices. To sign up for free, select the option to Back up your PC settings and click Next to initiate the syncing process with OneDrive using your Microsoft account. However, it’s worth noting that syncing with OneDrive may come with storage limitations, as Microsoft offers only 5GB of free storage. For users with extensive settings data, this could lead to additional costs.
While Windows 10 has enjoyed a remarkable decade-long journey, its future beyond 2026 appears uncertain. Nevertheless, for those not yet ready to transition to Windows 11, Microsoft’s free ESU program provides a valuable interim solution.
