Introduction
Windows 10 has been the backbone of countless PCs for almost a decade. From personal laptops to office workstations, many people still rely on it every single day. But Microsoft has made it clear: free support for Windows 10 will officially end on October 14, 2025. After that date, users won’t receive free security patches, bug fixes, or official assistance.
This creates a big challenge. Not everyone is ready or even able to switch to Windows 11. Some older PCs simply don’t meet the stricter hardware requirements, while others avoid upgrading because they value Windows 10’s stability and familiarity. Personally, I find that forcing upgrades isn’t always practical. If a system is still running smoothly, why replace it just for the sake of change?
That’s where Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) come in. ESUs are designed to give users extra time by providing critical security updates even after the official support ends. Normally, this service is paid, but Microsoft has introduced an unexpected solution: a way for Windows 10 users to continue receiving an additional year of security updates for free.
What is Windows 10 ESU?
Extended Security Updates, or ESU, are Microsoft’s way of keeping Windows 10 users protected even after official support ends. But it’s important to be clear about what ESU actually offers. These updates don’t bring new features, performance improvements, or design changes. Instead, they focus purely on critical and important security patches the kind that protect your system from malware, vulnerabilities, and cyberattacks.
Think of it this way: ESU is like adding a strong lock to your front door while ignoring the cracks in the walls and peeling paint. It doesn’t make your house better or newer, but it makes it harder for intruders to break in. In other words, ESU gives you extra time to stay safe while you decide on your next move whether that’s upgrading to Windows 11, buying a new PC, or eventually moving to a different operating system.
From my perspective, ESU is a practical but temporary solution. It’s not meant to keep Windows 10 alive forever, but it does provide peace of mind for those who aren’t ready to upgrade right away.
How to Get ESU for Free
Microsoft usually charges for Extended Security Updates, but they’ve offered two ways for users to get them at no cost. Here’s how:
1. Sync Your PC Settings to the Cloud
- Sign in with a Microsoft Account on your Windows 10 device.
- Turn on settings backup/sync, which saves things like preferences, passwords, and personalization to the cloud.
- Once enabled, your device becomes tied into Microsoft’s ecosystem, and this unlocks free ESU for an extra year.
💡 My thought: I see why Microsoft is pushing this option it keeps users locked into their services. Personally, I don’t love the idea of being nudged into cloud sync if I don’t need it. But if the trade-off is free security updates, it’s something worth considering.
2. Use Microsoft Rewards Points
- Earn 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points from your account.
- Points can be collected by using Bing for searches, playing on Xbox, or engaging with other Microsoft services.
- Once you hit the target, redeem the points for a free ESU license.
💡 Pro tip: Don’t underestimate this method. Even casual use of Bing adds up points surprisingly quickly. If you’ve never signed up for Microsoft Rewards, this is probably the easiest way to get started.
And of course, if you’d rather skip both of these methods, you can still purchase ESU directly. The cost is about $30 per year per device, which is relatively affordable compared to the risks of running an unsupported system.
The One Essential Requirement
No matter which free option you choose, there’s one rule you can’t avoid: your PC must be connected to a Microsoft Account. Local accounts by themselves are no longer enough, even if you plan to pay for ESU.
This requirement means that to qualify, you’ll need to sign in with a Microsoft Account on your Windows 10 device. Once your account is linked, Microsoft can verify your eligibility for the free Extended Security Updates.
💡 My thought: This is where things feel a bit pushy. Many users prefer the simplicity and privacy of a local account, keeping their PC separate from cloud services. Unfortunately, Microsoft has drawn a hard line if you don’t link your computer to their ecosystem, the free ESU option is off the table. It’s a trade-off between independence and continued security.
Technical Requirements and Limitations
- Windows 10 Version: Your PC must be running Windows 10 version 22H2, the final feature update Microsoft released. If you’re on an older version, ESU won’t apply.
- Updates Required: Make sure all the latest cumulative updates are installed before October 14, 2025.
- Security-Only Coverage: ESU includes critical and important security patches only. No new features, no performance tweaks, and no cosmetic updates.
- Fixed End Date: Coverage will stop on October 13, 2026, regardless of when you sign up. Think of it as a one-year extension, not a rolling subscription.
💡 Pro tip: To check your Windows version quickly, press Win + R, type winver, and hit Enter. If you don’t see 22H2, update your system now while Microsoft is still providing the files.
Why This Matters
After October 14, 2025, PCs running Windows 10 without ESU will no longer receive security updates. This leaves systems exposed to new vulnerabilities, and cybercriminals often target outdated operating systems first. Running an unsupported OS is a real risk, especially if you use your PC for work, online banking, or storing sensitive information.
Even with ESU, there are important trade-offs to keep in mind:
- No new features: You won’t get updates that improve functionality or add new tools.
- Limited app and driver support: Over time, software and hardware makers may stop supporting Windows 10, which could cause compatibility issues.
- Mandatory cloud connection: For the free ESU option, your PC must be linked to a Microsoft Account, which some users may find restrictive.
💡 My thought: I view ESU as a temporary shield, not a permanent fix. It buys time and keeps your PC secure for another year, but if you want long-term safety and compatibility, planning an upgrade to Windows 11 or a newer system in the future is essential.
What You Should Do (Step-by-Step)
- Update to Windows 10 Version 22H2: Make sure your PC is running the final feature update. This is required for ESU eligibility.
- Sign in with a Microsoft Account: Local accounts won’t work for the free ESU option, so link your device to a Microsoft Account.
- Turn on Settings Sync/Backup: Enable cloud sync to ensure your preferences, passwords, and personalization are backed up.
- Check Windows Update: Navigate to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update to confirm all updates are installed.
- Enroll in ESU: Choose your option:
- Free via settings sync or Microsoft Rewards points
- Paid option, roughly $30 per year, if you prefer not to use cloud features
- Act Before the Deadline: Complete all steps before October 14, 2025 to ensure uninterrupted security coverage.
💡 Pro tip: Don’t leave this until the last minute. Updates and enrollments can get messy if rushed, and you don’t want to risk leaving your PC unprotected.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s decision to offer free Extended Security Updates feels both generous and strategic. On one hand, it helps users who aren’t ready or able to upgrade right away. On the other, it nudges everyone toward using Microsoft Accounts and cloud services, reinforcing their ecosystem.
For those of us who appreciate the stability and familiarity of Windows 10, ESU provides a valuable safety net. But it’s important to remember that this is temporary protection, not a permanent solution. Eventually, you’ll need to make a choice: upgrade to Windows 11, invest in new hardware, or consider alternative operating systems.
💡 Final thought: Treat this extra year as breathing room, not a reason to procrastinate. Use it to plan your next steps carefully and ensure your PC remains secure without unnecessary risk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Windows 10 ESU
- Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) are critical security patches provided by Microsoft for PCs running Windows 10 after free support ends. ESU doesn’t add new features or improve performance it only protects your system from security threats.
- Any user who wants to continue using Windows 10 safely after October 14, 2025, especially if they can’t upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations or personal preference.
- Free ESU coverage is available for one year, and all updates free or paid stop on October 13, 2026.
- Sync your PC settings to the cloud using a Microsoft Account.
- Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points through Bing, Xbox, or other Microsoft services.
- Yes. To qualify for the free ESU, your PC must be linked to a Microsoft Account. Local accounts alone won’t work, even if you pay for ESU.
- Yes. ESU only provides critical and important security updates. You won’t get new features, performance improvements, or design changes. Apps and drivers may eventually stop supporting Windows 10.
- Your PC must run Windows 10 version 22H2.
- All latest cumulative updates must be installed.
- ESU applies only for one year after enrollment.
- Yes. If you prefer not to use cloud sync or Rewards points, Microsoft charges approximately $30 per device per year for ESU.
- After free support ends, PCs without ESU are exposed to new security vulnerabilities. ESU acts as a temporary shield to keep your system protected while you plan an upgrade.
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