If you are using a computer that has Windows 10 installed, you may want to consider upgrading to new car: Microsoft official stopped supporting a decade-old operating system in 2025. However, even if you can't upgrade to Windows 11 you should use it soon Extended Security Updates program.
To give your users more time to update their software and hardware to Windows 11Microsoft has promised to continue supporting Windows 10 for another year. security updates. Any Windows 10 user can enroll in the Extended Security Updates program and continue to receive updates until October 13th.
Microsoft says the ESU program is “not intended as a long-term solution, but rather as a temporary bridge to help you stay secure while migrating to a newer supported platform.”
Windows security vulnerabilities are a serious matter, so ESU is a must-have for all users who I can't or don't want to upgrade to Windows 11. The cost to enroll in the Microsoft ESU program is US$30, but Europeans are welcome to enroll. for free.
Luckily for the rest of the world, there are two more free registration options: You can use Windows Backup and sync settings to your OneDrive account or redeem 1000 Microsoft Rewards points.
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How do I sign up for Microsoft Extended Security Updates for Windows 10?
You need to make sure that you are using the latest version of Windows 10, version 22H2. You can check your version of Windows at Settings. Then click Windows Update and select View update history. You will also need administrator rights on your computer.
If you're sure you're up to date, visit Settings And Windows Update again and look for the links in the top right corner of the interface. It should say: “Windows 10 will end of support in October 2025” and “Sign up for extended security updates to keep your device secure.”
Below this message is a link to register, which will take you to the Extended Security Update Registration Wizard. You'll need to decide whether you want to sync your settings to OneDrive, pay $30, or use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points for the ESU program.
You can enroll in the ESU program at any time before the end of the program on October 13, 2026. The ESU program is only a temporary solution designed to give users more time to upgrade, although businesses can purchase upgrades for up to three additional years.
Microsoft provides detailed information instructions How to enable Extended Security Updates for Windows 10, but may not yet be able to sign up for the program accessible for all eligible users.
It looks like Microsoft is still rolling out the enrollment wizard to all locations and devices. We weren't able to get the “Sign up now” link or message on our CNET test PC running Windows 10, even though we installed the required update (August 2025 patch). KB5063709).
We have reached out to Microsoft for clarification regarding the timing of the ESU program. A spokesperson said: “We are working to restore the availability of the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program in some markets.”
How to get Windows 10 security updates for free?
There are two ways to enroll in the Windows Extended Security Updates program for free. You can sync Windows settings with the OneDrive account connected to your computer, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
If you don't have excess Microsoft Rewards points, you'll need to save your PC data using Windows Backup to get free security updates for Windows 10. This feature is usually designed to help you preserve files when transferring them from one computer to another.
In the ESU Registration Wizard, you will see three options. To register for free, select the first option, Back up your PC settingsand press Next to start syncing your settings to OneDrive using your Microsoft account.
One possible downside to syncing with OneDrive for free security updates is that you may run out of storage space. Microsoft only provides 5GB of free storage. If you have a lot of settings data to back up, you may have to pay more.
Windows 10 has had an impressive 10 years of service, but the operating system is unlikely to receive updates after 2026. However, for many users who are not yet ready to dive into Windows 11, Microsoft's free ESU program is a welcome stopgap.
