Microsoft has officially confirmed that support for Windows 10 will come to an end on October 14, 2025. After this date, the operating system will no longer get regular updates. For many users with older PCs that can’t upgrade to Windows 11, this might sound worrying — but Microsoft has a backup plan.
Extended Security Updates (ESU) Explained
To help people keep their devices safe, Microsoft is rolling out the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. This will deliver monthly critical and important security patches for up to three additional years.
It’s important to note that the ESU program is not a full extension of Windows 10 support. It won’t include new features, performance upgrades, or general tech support — it’s purely about keeping systems protected against threats.
The best part? While ESU is a paid service, Microsoft is giving everyone the first year free, covering updates until October 2026.
Who’s Eligible?
Not every PC qualifies for ESU. To enroll, your system must:
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Be running Windows 10 version 22H2
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Have all the latest regular updates installed
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Be signed in with a Microsoft account that has administrator rights
How to Enroll
Microsoft is making it fairly straightforward to sign up. Users will see an enrollment option inside the Windows Update settings. Once there, you can choose one of three ways to get access:
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Pay a small fee (around $30 per year)
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Redeem Microsoft Rewards points
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Use the free option — this requires backing up your PC settings to OneDrive
The enrollment feature is rolling out gradually and should appear for all eligible users before the October 14, 2025 deadline.
The Takeaway
If you’re sticking with Windows 10 beyond 2025, Microsoft’s ESU program will help keep your PC safe from security threats. While it’s only a temporary fix, it gives users up to three extra years of breathing room to plan their next upgrade — without putting their data at risk.
