Microsoft's Windows 10 Operating System is expected to reach its end-of-life this autumn. Here's a guide on outlasting the demise.
Microsoft has announced an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10, allowing users to receive critical security updates for an additional year after October 2025. This program is available to regular users, not just enterprise customers or big businesses.
To officially extend Windows 10 support past the October 14, 2025 end-of-life date, you need to enroll in the ESU program. Here's what you need to know:
- System Requirements: Ensure your PC is running Windows 10 version 22H2 with the latest updates installed.
- Microsoft Account: Enrollment requires signing in with a Microsoft Account.
- Enrollment Options: There are three enrollment options available:
- Sync Windows 10 settings with a Microsoft Account (free).
- Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points (free).
- Pay $30 per year (+tax) to cover up to 10 devices linked to the same Microsoft Account.
The ESU program only extends security updates, not feature updates or technical support, and only delays end-of-life by one year until October 13, 2026.
Microsoft has improved the ESU enrollment experience with update KB5063709. This update fixes issues with the ESU enrollment wizard and makes the enrollment toggle more widely visible in Windows Update settings.
If you qualify to upgrade to Windows 11, it's recommended to back up your files and upgrade immediately. You can use the Windows Backup app to back up your data and settings to Microsoft's OneDrive servers. However, backing up data to Microsoft's servers means trusting Microsoft with your data.
Remember, if you do not enroll in the ESU program after October 2025, you will no longer receive security updates for Windows 10. If your PC does not qualify to upgrade to Windows 11, it's recommended to upgrade your PC to make the jump to Windows 11.
Microsoft Rewards points can be earned through various methods, such as downloading the Bing smartphone app. Users can also avoid paying for the ESU program by cashing in at least 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points in their Microsoft Rewards account.
The ESU enrollment wizard is being rolled out to Windows 10 users, and the Windows Update app can be used to upgrade to Windows 11. The PC Health Check app can be used to verify if your PC meets the system requirements to upgrade to Windows 11.
- To receive critical security updates for Windows 10 beyond October 2026, you might consider using Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, despite it not providing feature updates or technical support.
- You can enroll in the ESU program for a cost of $30 per year (plus tax), which covers up to 10 devices tied to the same Microsoft Account, but there are also free enrollment options available, such as syncing Windows 10 settings with a Microsoft Account or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
