Windows 10 is 10 years old and is still very popular – even if the support for the operating system is planned to end next month. Nearly 43% The PC owner is still running Windows 10. These people now have to upgrade their devices, or if their devices don’t support them, they must continue to use outdated software Windows 11.
To give users more time to upgrade their software and hardware to Windows 11, Microsoft has promised to continue supporting Windows 10 for another year Security updates. Anyone with Windows 10 can sign up Extended security updates Plan and continue to receive updates by October 13, 2026.
Microsoft said the ESU plan “not as a long-term solution, but as a temporary bridge to stay safe, while people migrate to a newer, supported platform.”
Windows security vulnerabilities are serious business, so ESU programs are required for anyone who cannot or does not want to upgrade to Windows 11. You can sign up for Microsoft’s ESU program for $30, or take advantage of two advantages Free registration options. You can use Windows backup and sync settings to your OneDrive account or Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward Points.
How to register for Microsoft Windows 10 Extended Security Updates?
You need to make sure that the latest version of Windows 10 is running, Version 22H2. You can settings. Then, you will click Windows UpdateAfter that, you choose View update history. You also need to have administrative privileges on your PC.
Make sure you are the latest, please visit settings and Windows Update Find the link in the upper right corner of the interface again. It should read: “Windows 10 support will end in October 2025” and “Register extended security updates to help keep devices safe.”
The following message passing refers to the registered link that will pop up the extended security update registration wizard. You need to determine whether you want to sync settings with OneDrive, pay $30 or use 1,000 Microsoft reward points for the ESU program.
You can sign up for the ESU program from any time now until the program ends on October 13, 2026. The ESU plan is just a temporary solution designed to provide users with more upgrade time, although businesses can purchase up to three years of updates.
Microsoft provides detailed information instruct Regarding how to enable extended security updates for Windows 10, however the option to participate in the program may not be Available But for all qualified users.
It seems like Microsoft is still pushing the registration wizard to all locations and devices. Even if we installed the necessary updates, we cannot get the “Register Now” link or messaging on CNET test computers running Windows 10 (patch for August 2025 KB5063709).
We contacted Microsoft to clarify the schedule for the ESU plan. “We are working to restore the availability of Windows 10 Extended Security Updates in a sub-center market,” a spokesperson said.
How to get Windows 10 security updates for free?
There are two ways to register for Windows Extension Security Updater for free. You can sync Windows settings with a OneDrive account connected to your PC, or you can redeem 1,000 Microsoft reward points.
Unless you have a bunch of Microsoft reward points, you need to use your PC’s data saving Windows Backup To get free security updates for Windows 10. Typically, this feature is designed to help you save files when transferring from one PC to another.
In the ESU Registration Wizard, you will see these three options. To register for free, select the first option. Back up your PC settingsand click Next To start the process of using a Microsoft account to set up synchronization with OneDrive.
There are possible downsides to syncing with OneDrive for free security updates – you may not have enough storage space. Microsoft only offers 5GB of free storage. If you have a lot of setup data to back up, you may end up paying more.
Windows 10 is running impressively, but the operating system is unlikely to receive updates after 2026. For many users who are not ready to enter Windows 11, Microsoft’s free ESU program is a popular parking device.
