How to use Windows 10 ESU to keep getting updates after October 2025

by

Since Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025, now is the time to register for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program if you want to keep receiving important security updates beyond that date.

When Microsoft stops supporting a version of Windows, it means they no longer release updates, including important security fixes, and no longer offer technical assistance for that version of the operating system.

This doesn’t mean your computer will suddenly stop working. It will continue to function as usual, but over time, it will become more susceptible to viruses and hacking attempts. Eventually, you might also find that some apps and devices no longer work with it.

While upgrading to the latest version of Windows – currently Windows 11 – would be the natural next step from Windows 10, many users aren’t switching yet. This is often because their computers don’t meet the more demanding hardware requirements for Windows 11.

Because of these issues, Microsoft is now letting regular customers sign up for Extended Security Updates (ESU). This will keep their systems supported for an extra year, until October 13, 2026.

This program has been around for a while. Originally, it was only for businesses, letting them continue using older operating system versions for up to three years. Now, everyone can use it, but only for one year after their operating system is no longer supported.

The company offers at least three options for signing up for the program:

  • Free – This option is available if you’re backing up files to OneDrive, regardless of whether you have a Microsoft 365 subscription.
  • Microsoft Rewards – You can also redeem 1,000 points if you’re enrolled in the rewards program.
  • Paid – If you don’t want to use the other options, you can pay $30 to access the program.

I’ve noticed you can register up to ten computers using the same Microsoft account, no matter how you do it. The main thing is that you need to be logged in with a Microsoft account, because that’s where all the computer’s enrollment details are saved.

Your computer needs to be running Windows 10 version 22H2, and it should have all the latest updates installed. It doesn’t need to be able to run Windows 11 to qualify.

This guide will show you how to sign up your Windows 10 computer for Extended Security Updates.

How to enroll Windows 10 in the Extended Security Updates program

To sign up for the ESU program, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. Click on Windows Update.
  4. Click the “Check for updates” button to ensure the device has the latest updates, and the enrollment option becomes available.

  1. Click the Enroll now option under the end of support notification.
  1. Click the Next button.
  2. Select the option to enroll your device, including “Back up your PC settings,” “Redeem Microsoft Rewards points,” or “One time purchase.”
  • Quick note: If the system detects that you’re already backing up files to the cloud, you’ll see the “Enroll” option immediately. If you’re adding a second device, you’ll see the “Add device” option instead.
  1. Click the Next button.
  2. Continue with the on-screen directions, depending on the option you have selected.
  3. Click the Done button.
  4. Check for the “Your PC is enrolled to get Extended Security Updates” message in the Windows Update settings to confirm the enrollment.

Once you finish the setup, your computer will continue to receive important security updates until October 2026. Keep in mind that this only covers security – you won’t get updates to improve performance, fix issues, or add new features. Technical support isn’t included with this program either.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus receives its updates separately from Windows Update, and Microsoft intends to keep providing these updates through 2028.

Your Microsoft 365 apps (like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) will keep getting security and reliability updates. But once Windows 10 is no longer supported, those apps won’t get any new features.

Starting October 14th, we will no longer support Office 2016 and Office 2019 on any operating system. While Office 2021, 2024, and their long-term support versions will still work, they won’t receive support on Windows 10 after this date.

I was checking for the enrollment option and if you’re not seeing it either, don’t worry! Microsoft mentioned they’re releasing it slowly, so it might just take a little longer to show up for us. It’s not a bug, just a gradual rollout.

If your computer can handle it, upgrading to Windows 11 is the best solution instead of paying for extended security updates. This will ensure your computer stays supported and continues to receive important updates, including security fixes, improvements, and new features.

Are you enrolling in the ESU program or upgrading to Windows 11? Let me know in the comments.

More resources

Read More

2025-09-15 14:40