The end of Windows 10 is coming, as Microsoft is officially ceasing support for the OS on October 14, 2025. But for those not ready to move on to Windows 11, there's a way to get an extra year of security updates before the operating system is put to rest.
With Microsoft's Windows 10 Extender Security Updates (ESU) program, users can get a year of protection after the deadline. This will offer monthly security updates from October 15, 2025 to October 13, 2026, and is crucial in keeping your PC secure from malware — as Microsoft itself notes.
While the ESU program will give Windows 10 users another year of support, keep in mind that it doesn't include "new features, non-security updates, design change requests or technical support," Microsoft states.
Fortunately, while Microsoft initially wanted to charge users to enroll in the ESU program, there are now two other free options to choose from. That said, the $30 charge to cover 10 PCs on one Microsoft account is still an option.
So, want to keep using Windows 10? Find out how to enroll in the ESU program for free. It's the last thing to do before finally waving goodbye to Windows 10.
What is the Extended Security Update program?
Microsoft's Extended Security Update (ESU) program is a way for Windows 10 users to receive critical and important security updates for the OS after, after it ends support on October 14.
"They are not intended as a long-term solution, but rather as a temporary bridge to stay secure while one migrates to a newer, supported platform. It includes Critical* and/or Important* security updates up to three years after the product's End of Extended Support date," Microsoft says.
In the case of Windows 10, this will only last for a year until October 13, 2026, although this may be extended further down the line.
This isn't the first time Microsoft has used this extension program, as it was offered during previous Windows upgrades, albeit only for enterprise customers and big businesses. Now, personal users can enroll in the program for an extra year Windows 10 support.
How to stay on Windows 10
To make sure your Windows 10 PC meets the requirements for the ESU program, it will need to be running Windows 10 version 22H2 and the KB5063709 security update.
Since the enrollment is available to all Windows 10 users that's running the latest build of the OS (not just Windows Insiders), all you need to do is pick an option to enroll in the program. Take note, this will need to be done before October 14, as doing this after means your PC will be unprotected.
1. Access the ESU enrollment wizard
On your Windows 10 PC, there should be an enrollment wizard available that pops up in notifications or in Settings, allowing you to enroll in the ESU program.
If this doesn't appear through notification, you can access the wizard by heading to Settings > Updates & Security. Scroll to the bottom of the page to find a link to enroll.
2. Choose an option
In the enrollment wizard, Microsoft will offer three options to do so. This includes the following:
1. Use Windows Backup to sync your settings to the cloud (free).
2. Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points (free).
3. Pay $30 for 10 PCs (pricing varies per region).
If you're looking to enroll for free, there are now two ways to do so. For those looking to store their data through Windows Backup, take note that Windows 10 users get 5GB of free OneDrive space. If this isn't enough space, then you'll have to opt to buy more.
For those who have 1,000 Microsoft Rewards in their Microsoft Rewards account, these can be exchanged for an extra year of support. Even if you don't have enough points, gaining them can be easy. As an example, you can earn 500 Microsoft Rewards points just for downloading the Bing smartphone app.
3. Follow the steps to enroll
Once you've chosen an option, follow the on-screen steps. From there, you'll be automatically enrolled in the ESU program. This way, you can continue to use your Windows 10 PC with security updates.
That said, time is ticking to upgrade to Windows 11, but in the meantime, here are a few other things to do before Windows 10 loses support.
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