Microsoft Offers Free Options to Extend Windows 10 Security Updates

Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. To assist users who are unable or unwilling to upgrade to Windows 11, the company is offering options to extend security updates for an additional year.

The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program provides critical and important security updates for devices running Windows 10 version 22H2. Initially, Microsoft planned to charge all users $30 to enroll in the ESU program. However, the company has now introduced two free alternatives:

1. Microsoft Rewards Points: Users can redeem 1,000 points from Microsoft's Rewards program to enroll in the ESU. Points are earned by using Microsoft's services, such as downloading the Bing app, which awards 500 points.

2. Windows Backup Sync: By syncing Windows Backup to Microsoft OneDrive, users can enroll in the ESU without additional charges. Note that while Microsoft offers 5GB of OneDrive storage for free, additional storage may be required for larger backups.

These options are available to individual users with Windows 10 devices running version 22H2. Enrollment can be completed through notifications and the Settings menu. Users can enroll in the ESU program after October 14, 2025, but their computers will be unprotected until enrollment is completed. Microsoft will provide coverage through October 13, 2026, for now.

For users whose PCs are incompatible with Windows 11, Microsoft has provided a workaround, though it is not officially supported. Additionally, Microsoft 365 apps will continue to receive security updates on Windows 10 for three years after the end of support, but will not receive new features, bug fixes, or comprehensive technical support during this period.