Windows 10 users around the world are standing at a major crossroads as the official end of support approaches. After nearly a decade of dominance, Windows 10—still the world’s most widely used desktop operating system—will reach the end of its official support lifecycle in October 2025. Microsoft’s initial plan to transition all users to Windows 11 or alternative arrangements caused apprehension among millions of individuals and organizations reluctant or unable to upgrade. But in a significant move, Microsoft has announced that select users unwilling to upgrade to Windows 11 can continue to receive free security updates for Windows 10, provided they leverage Microsoft’s cloud backup via OneDrive.
This policy shift, although not a long-term solution, has generated considerable discussion and raises complex questions about the future of Windows, user autonomy, and the trajectory of personal computing on the PC platform.
As of mid-2025, more than 53% of Windows installations worldwide are still running Windows 10, according to several trusted market analytics sources. This remarkable number dwarfs adoption rates of Windows 11, highlighting persistent hesitance from many individual users and enterprise IT teams. The reasons behind the enduring appeal of Windows 10 include satisfaction with its mature feature set, compatibility with older hardware, and widespread resistance to the hardware requirements and interface changes imposed by Windows 11.
It’s worth recalling that Microsoft positioned Windows 10 at launch as the “last version of Windows”—a declaration that later proved inaccurate. Yet, many users have held onto this promise, expecting long-term support or at least a less disruptive upgrade path within the Windows ecosystem. For users with hardware that doesn’t meet Windows 11’s stringent TPM 2.0 and processor requirements, the pressure to upgrade or replace perfectly functional machines has been contentious.
However, facing public pressure and recognizing the massive user base left in the lurch, Microsoft unveiled additional options that reduce or eliminate costs for many users. Effective from July 2025, there are now three main ways to obtain Windows 10 security updates post-October 2025:
Microsoft’s approach thus cleverly interweaves existing cloud service monetization with their legacy OS support, nudging users toward an ongoing relationship with the company’s broader cloud ecosystem. Those who are unwilling to use cloud services—whether due to privacy, bandwidth concerns, or philosophical objections—may feel coerced to either pay for support or proceed with an unsupported, vulnerable system.
Microsoft’s one-year window for free ESU is meant as a bridge, not a new lease on perpetual support. Updates will continue until October 13, 2026—one year from Windows 10's formal end of support. After that, individual consumers may be out of options, although businesses can purchase up to three more years of ESU. Essentially, Microsoft’s message is clear: the free security net is temporary, and all users should plan to transition to a supported OS within that time frame.
Microsoft appears to be experimenting with ways to retain user engagement and loyalty within its wider ecosystem, perhaps in recognition of the rising importance of services revenue for its business model.
Then there’s sentiment: Windows 10, dating back to its launch in July 2015, has grown into a stable, versatile, and familiar environment. Its blend of the classic Start menu, broad device support, and manageable update cadence resonates strongly—especially for users dissatisfied with Windows 11’s mandatory Microsoft account sign-in, evolving interface, and deeper integration with cloud services.
On the other hand, this “escape hatch” is temporary and arguably engineered to funnel more users into Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem. Those fundamentally opposed to cloud backup or with legitimate regulatory or privacy concerns are effectively forced to pay—or to weigh the risks of running unpatched software. And it may create confusion among users who mistake the ESU for a full extension of Windows 10 support, rather than a time-limited, stopgap arrangement.
Upgrading to 100GB for $1.99 per month is a better deal than the $30 annual ESU charge but, multiplied by millions of users, represents a significant revenue opportunity for Microsoft. The way the free offer is structured is unlikely to be altruistic; it’s a lever designed to onboard as many users as possible into recurring cloud payments.
For users hoping to stay truly offline and independent, the ESU’s “free” label comes with asterisks and potential strings.
While Microsoft and other major providers have grown increasingly transparent about their security and privacy measures, no cloud service is immune to breaches, misuse, or governmental data requests. Users opposed to any cloud sync for philosophical, regulatory, or practical reasons are left out in the cold unless they pay outright for ESU access.
Windows 10, with an even larger install base, remains an attractive target for malware authors. The move to offer free ESU—albeit for only a year—significantly reduces the chance of a catastrophic wave of vulnerabilities harming millions. But it is clearly positioned as a nudge, not an alternative to upgrading.
For IT administrators, the message is simpler: Windows 10 is officially on the clock. Free ESU is a consumer play; business continuity demands longer-term planning.
Historic patterns from previous OS transitions repeat: users stick with what works until forced by security reality, hardware failure, or irresistible new features. Microsoft’s short-term solution blunts some of the sharpest edges of forced obsolescence, but the specter of transition looms large.
For consumers, the choice is stark. They must decide between a controlled transition to Windows 11, a paid or cloud-tied ESU period for Windows 10, or—least safely—potentially running unsupported software. For Microsoft, the balancing act is ongoing: safeguarding the installed base without undermining future revenue and platform coherence.
In the end, the extension of free security updates, subject to conditions, is welcome but finite. The most prudent course remains the same: use the time to prepare a migration to a supported, secure, and actively maintained operating system. Users, administrators, and Microsoft itself must all face the reality that, in technology as in life, there are no permanent extensions.
Source: CNET Don't Want to Upgrade to Windows 11? Microsoft Offers Free Windows 10 Security Updates
This policy shift, although not a long-term solution, has generated considerable discussion and raises complex questions about the future of Windows, user autonomy, and the trajectory of personal computing on the PC platform.
Windows 10's Lingering Popularity
As of mid-2025, more than 53% of Windows installations worldwide are still running Windows 10, according to several trusted market analytics sources. This remarkable number dwarfs adoption rates of Windows 11, highlighting persistent hesitance from many individual users and enterprise IT teams. The reasons behind the enduring appeal of Windows 10 include satisfaction with its mature feature set, compatibility with older hardware, and widespread resistance to the hardware requirements and interface changes imposed by Windows 11.It’s worth recalling that Microsoft positioned Windows 10 at launch as the “last version of Windows”—a declaration that later proved inaccurate. Yet, many users have held onto this promise, expecting long-term support or at least a less disruptive upgrade path within the Windows ecosystem. For users with hardware that doesn’t meet Windows 11’s stringent TPM 2.0 and processor requirements, the pressure to upgrade or replace perfectly functional machines has been contentious.
The Extended Security Updates (ESU) Program: What’s New?
Microsoft has a long history of providing Extended Security Updates (ESU) for legacy products—Windows 7, for example, saw a paid ESU program that extended support for businesses and institutions well beyond the consumer cut-off. This time, for Windows 10, Microsoft initially proposed a paid ESU subscription for home users starting at $30 for the first year (with higher pricing likely in subsequent years), mimicking the precedent set with Windows 7.However, facing public pressure and recognizing the massive user base left in the lurch, Microsoft unveiled additional options that reduce or eliminate costs for many users. Effective from July 2025, there are now three main ways to obtain Windows 10 security updates post-October 2025:
- Cloud Sync via Microsoft OneDrive: Users who agree to back up their system settings and files to the cloud using OneDrive’s Windows Backup utility can receive one year of free security updates.
- Microsoft Rewards Redemption: Users can redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points for a year of security patches.
- Paid Subscription: The previously announced $30/yr subscription remains available, providing a straightforward path for those unwilling or unable to engage with the other two options.
Free ESU with a Catch: The OneDrive Requirement
At first glance, the possibility of getting free security updates by simply activating cloud backup to OneDrive seems an unalloyed benefit. With a Microsoft account, every user receives 5GB of free cloud storage—enough for many users’ essential documents and Windows settings. However, there are scenarios where this amount falls short. Full system backups, device images, or even extensive libraries of documents and media may easily exceed the 5GB threshold, forcing users into a paid OneDrive plan. The minimum paid tier, offering 100GB of storage, costs $1.99 per month or about $24 per year—still less than the $30 ESU fee, but no longer a cost-free solution.Microsoft’s approach thus cleverly interweaves existing cloud service monetization with their legacy OS support, nudging users toward an ongoing relationship with the company’s broader cloud ecosystem. Those who are unwilling to use cloud services—whether due to privacy, bandwidth concerns, or philosophical objections—may feel coerced to either pay for support or proceed with an unsupported, vulnerable system.
Extended Security: What is Actually Provided?
It is crucial to understand precisely what the ESU program offers and does not offer. The updates delivered under ESU cover critical and important security vulnerabilities; they do not include new features, non-security bug fixes, or technical support beyond basic patch distribution. Users hoping for a steady stream of improvements or help with malware infections may still be left wanting.Microsoft’s one-year window for free ESU is meant as a bridge, not a new lease on perpetual support. Updates will continue until October 13, 2026—one year from Windows 10's formal end of support. After that, individual consumers may be out of options, although businesses can purchase up to three more years of ESU. Essentially, Microsoft’s message is clear: the free security net is temporary, and all users should plan to transition to a supported OS within that time frame.
The Rewards Points Option: A Gamified Solution
Allowing users to redeem Microsoft Rewards points for security updates is a novel, if quirky, solution. Microsoft Rewards is typically earned through Bing usage, purchases in the Microsoft Store, and engagement with various Microsoft products or promotions. For active participants, 1,000 points is not necessarily difficult to accrue. Yet this model is unprecedented—a major operating system riding on the same infrastructure that dispenses video game credits and gift cards.Microsoft appears to be experimenting with ways to retain user engagement and loyalty within its wider ecosystem, perhaps in recognition of the rising importance of services revenue for its business model.
The Hardware Reality: Why Users Wait
Windows 11’s rollout was marred by unprecedented hardware requirements. As noted previously, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and stringent processor documentation left behind legions of otherwise functional PCs. Many users balk at the idea of replacing devices solely to clear an artificial compatibility barrier—especially in an era of rising electronic waste concerns and economic pressures.Then there’s sentiment: Windows 10, dating back to its launch in July 2015, has grown into a stable, versatile, and familiar environment. Its blend of the classic Start menu, broad device support, and manageable update cadence resonates strongly—especially for users dissatisfied with Windows 11’s mandatory Microsoft account sign-in, evolving interface, and deeper integration with cloud services.
Free Security Updates: A Win-Win or Just A Pause?
There’s little doubt that the free ESU route for Windows 10 is a net positive for many consumers. It keeps millions of machines safe for another year, grants users extra planning time before any upgrade, and acknowledges the reality of a world where not everyone is able (or willing) to run the latest software. Public institutions and small organizations, in particular, stand to benefit, as the specter of ransomware and viruses targeting unsupported systems is not hypothetical—it’s a documented, ongoing threat.On the other hand, this “escape hatch” is temporary and arguably engineered to funnel more users into Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem. Those fundamentally opposed to cloud backup or with legitimate regulatory or privacy concerns are effectively forced to pay—or to weigh the risks of running unpatched software. And it may create confusion among users who mistake the ESU for a full extension of Windows 10 support, rather than a time-limited, stopgap arrangement.
The Cost of OneDrive: Is It Really Free?
The sticking point for some users is the cloud backup requirement. As tech news outlets like The Verge and CNET have noted, backing up even a modest Windows profile often exceeds the 5GB free OneDrive limit. If you mainly sync settings and a subset of documents, 5GB will suffice—but that's unlikely for users with a large photo collection, multiple user profiles, or professionals with large documents and archives.Upgrading to 100GB for $1.99 per month is a better deal than the $30 annual ESU charge but, multiplied by millions of users, represents a significant revenue opportunity for Microsoft. The way the free offer is structured is unlikely to be altruistic; it’s a lever designed to onboard as many users as possible into recurring cloud payments.
For users hoping to stay truly offline and independent, the ESU’s “free” label comes with asterisks and potential strings.
How to Get Free ESU: Step-by-Step
Microsoft will begin rolling out the ESU sign-up wizard in July 2025, streamlining the process for updating eligible machines. Here’s an overview of the likely process, based on available documentation:- Launch the ESU Wizard: Users will be prompted via Windows Update or a dedicated wizard to begin the signup process.
- Choose an Option: Select the free cloud backup, redeem Rewards points, or pay the $30 ESU fee.
- Link Your Microsoft Account: If not already signed in, you’ll need to provide Microsoft account credentials to use OneDrive.
- Set Up Windows Backup: The wizard will walk you through activating cloud synchronization of your key files and settings.
- Activate and Receive Updates: Once configured, your device will continue to get security updates through October 2026.
Privacy, Cloud Services, and User Choice
Requiring the use of Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure to access free updates is not without controversy. Data privacy advocates have repeatedly raised red flags about the growing trend of tying critical OS functionality to cloud accounts. For the technically savvy and privacy-conscious, the decision to upload settings and files to a remote server—even one operated by Microsoft—merits caution.While Microsoft and other major providers have grown increasingly transparent about their security and privacy measures, no cloud service is immune to breaches, misuse, or governmental data requests. Users opposed to any cloud sync for philosophical, regulatory, or practical reasons are left out in the cold unless they pay outright for ESU access.
The Legacy of Extended Support: Lessons from Windows 7
The end of Windows 7 support in January 2020 marked a pivotal point in Microsoft’s lifecycle strategy. Many businesses, government agencies, and even consumers paid for three years of ESU to buy time to plan major upgrades. Security researchers have consistently documented an uptick in attacks against unsupported OSes, and Microsoft’s data shows that the existence of ESU considerably reduced successful attacks against machines that were otherwise left exposed.Windows 10, with an even larger install base, remains an attractive target for malware authors. The move to offer free ESU—albeit for only a year—significantly reduces the chance of a catastrophic wave of vulnerabilities harming millions. But it is clearly positioned as a nudge, not an alternative to upgrading.
Businesses Are on a Different Track
For businesses, schools, and other institutions, the approach diverges. Microsoft will allow eligible organizations to purchase up to three additional years of ESU, as with Windows 7. The price per device typically increases annually—a calculated step to encourage faster migration. Enterprises must weigh these costs against the expense of new hardware and retraining.For IT administrators, the message is simpler: Windows 10 is officially on the clock. Free ESU is a consumer play; business continuity demands longer-term planning.
Windows 11: Why the Resistance?
A core driver behind the persistent reliance on Windows 10 is the perception—widespread on forums and tech sites—that Windows 11 introduces more friction than value for many users. Features like mandatory Microsoft accounts, increased telemetry, revised UI elements, and periodic reports of driver or software compatibility woes have contributed to lukewarm adoption in some circles.Historic patterns from previous OS transitions repeat: users stick with what works until forced by security reality, hardware failure, or irresistible new features. Microsoft’s short-term solution blunts some of the sharpest edges of forced obsolescence, but the specter of transition looms large.
Critical Analysis: Strengths and Risks
Strengths
- Safety Net for Millions: One additional year of security patches helps prevent widespread exploitation of known bugs after the October 2025 cutoff.
- Multiple Access Paths: Users can choose cloud sync, points redemption, or direct payment to suit their preferences.
- Gradual Transition: A phased approach gives individuals and organizations valuable time to plan and test Windows 11 migrations, rather than face an abrupt deadline.
- Encourages Backup Best Practices: Users are gently nudged to back up critical data—a clear win for users unaccustomed to regular backups.
Risks
- Cloud Dependency: The solution increases user dependence on proprietary cloud services, raising valid privacy and sovereignty concerns.
- Potential Hidden Costs: If users exceed the default 5GB OneDrive limit, “free” support may turn into a recurring subscription.
- False Sense of Security: Some users may believe this is an indefinite extension of Windows 10 support, risking future exposure after October 2026.
- Inequitable Access: Users in bandwidth-limited regions, or those unable to use cloud services for compliance reasons, are effectively left out or must pay.
- Underscores Upgrade Headaches: Microsoft must recognize that the mass refusal to upgrade reflects broader problems—hardware lifecycle realities, consumer sentiment, and trust in the Windows roadmap.
Conclusion: A Temporary Reprieve
Microsoft’s new multi-pronged approach to post-2025 Windows 10 security updates represents progress compared to a pure paywall. Millions of users will benefit from a more gradual path off an operating system that remains deeply embedded in homes and businesses globally. Yet the free option is neither universal nor permanent. It bears the hallmarks of a company intent on harnessing user inertia to drive further engagement with its burgeoning cloud ecosystem, subtly encouraging migration while forestalling a security crisis.For consumers, the choice is stark. They must decide between a controlled transition to Windows 11, a paid or cloud-tied ESU period for Windows 10, or—least safely—potentially running unsupported software. For Microsoft, the balancing act is ongoing: safeguarding the installed base without undermining future revenue and platform coherence.
In the end, the extension of free security updates, subject to conditions, is welcome but finite. The most prudent course remains the same: use the time to prepare a migration to a supported, secure, and actively maintained operating system. Users, administrators, and Microsoft itself must all face the reality that, in technology as in life, there are no permanent extensions.
Source: CNET Don't Want to Upgrade to Windows 11? Microsoft Offers Free Windows 10 Security Updates
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