If your current PC is still running on Windows 10, it may be time to explore the option of upgrading to a new machine. Microsoft has officially announced that support for this decade-old operating system will cease in 2025. However, if an upgrade to Windows 11 isn’t feasible for you at the moment, there is a silver lining: the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.
To ease the transition for users, Microsoft has committed to providing an additional year of security updates for Windows 10. This means that anyone still using the operating system can enroll in the ESU program and continue receiving vital updates until October 13, 2026.
Microsoft clarifies that the ESU program is designed as a “temporary bridge” rather than a long-term solution, allowing users to maintain security while they prepare to migrate to a newer, supported platform. Given the serious nature of Windows security vulnerabilities, the ESU program is crucial for those who are unable or unwilling to upgrade to Windows 11. Enrollment in the program comes at a cost of , though users in Europe can take advantage of free enrollment options. Additionally, two more avenues for free enrollment are available globally: syncing your settings with OneDrive 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 system is running the latest version of Windows 10, specifically version 22H2. You can verify your version by navigating to Settings, selecting Windows Update, and clicking on View Update History. Administrative privileges on your PC are also required.
Once confirmed, return to Settings and Windows Update. Look for the notifications in the top right corner of the interface that indicate, “Windows 10 support ends in October 2025” and “Enroll in Extended Security Updates to help keep your device secure.” A link to enroll will direct you to the Extended Security Updates enrollment wizard, where you can choose to sync your settings with OneDrive, pay the fee, or use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
Enrollment in the ESU program remains open until October 13, 2026. While this program serves as a temporary solution, businesses have the option to purchase up to three additional years of updates. Microsoft has provided comprehensive instructions for enabling Extended Security Updates for Windows 10, though the enrollment option may not be immediately available to all eligible users. Reports indicate that Microsoft is still in the process of rolling out the enrollment wizard across various locations and devices. For instance, a recent test on a CNET computer running Windows 10 revealed that the “Enroll now” link was not accessible, despite having installed the necessary update.
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 primary methods available. Users can either sync their Windows settings with a OneDrive account linked to their PC or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. If you don’t have an abundance of Microsoft Rewards points, the most practical approach is to back up your PC’s data using Windows Backup, which is typically intended for transferring files between devices.
During the ESU enrollment process, you will encounter three options. To enroll for free, select the first option, Back up your PC settings, and proceed by clicking Next to initiate the syncing process with OneDrive through your Microsoft account. However, it’s worth noting that there may be limitations regarding storage space, as Microsoft offers only 5GB of free storage. If your settings data exceeds this limit, additional costs may arise.
While Windows 10 has enjoyed a commendable decade-long tenure, its future beyond 2026 appears uncertain. Nevertheless, for users who are not yet ready to transition to Windows 11, Microsoft’s free ESU program provides a timely and valuable stopgap measure.
