Windows 10 End of Support Extended: How to Secure Your PC in 2025

For millions of Windows 10 users facing the looming October end-of-support deadline, Microsoft has finally extended an olive branch. Many users—whether for reasons of device incompatibility, budget, or simply resistance to change—have stalled on migrating to Windows 11. Now, as the clock ticks down to October 14, these users can tap into Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, gaining vital security protection for another year without cost, if they act soon and choose from several newly unveiled enrollment options.

Understanding Windows 10’s End of Support​

After nearly a decade of robust service and updates, Windows 10 is reaching the end of its official support lifecycle—a milestone that often signals not only the end of routine updates but an increased risk landscape for unpatched users. End of support means Microsoft will cease providing new features, technical support, and—most seriously—security updates for the OS, making systems more vulnerable to emerging threats. While business and enterprise customers have long wielded extended update options through ESU at a premium, individual consumers were initially expected to pay out of pocket to continue receiving critical fixes.

Microsoft’s ESU Program: What It Offers and What It Doesn’t​

Extended Security Updates are not “business as usual” updates. They focus narrowly on the most dangerous security vulnerabilities classified as “critical” or “important.” Routine bug fixes, performance optimizations, or feature enhancements are off the table. Technical support from Microsoft is not included, making this essentially a stopgap for users who aren’t ready—or able—to make the leap to Windows 11.
It’s critical to clarify that while ESU extends life for Windows 10 users, it is not without limits. ESUs are generally offered for up to three years after end of support, at which point even the extended safety net vanishes. This phased extension aligns with what Microsoft has done in the past—for example, with Windows 7—providing a limited but crucial grace period for transition.

The Three Paths to Windows 10 ESU​

For the first time, Microsoft has opened its ESU program to all individual users, not just enterprises or official Insider participants. Even more enticing is that, for the inaugural year, there are now three distinct options for eligible users:

1. Microsoft Rewards Points Redemption​

Power users of Microsoft’s ecosystem may already be sitting on a treasure trove of unredeemed Rewards points. To enroll in ESU at no monetary cost, users need only cash in 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. These points are garnered through routine engagement with Microsoft services—such as searching with Bing, shopping through Microsoft’s store, or completing daily activities.
For context, downloading the Bing app alone can net 500 points, streamlining the collection process for those just a few points shy. This redemption method supports Microsoft’s strategy of deepening user engagement with its services, while offering an attractive, frictionless upgrade path for those who are loyal to the brand.

2. Sync with Microsoft OneDrive via Windows Backup​

Alternatively, users can activate ESU by syncing Windows Backup to their Microsoft OneDrive account. This option is nominally free, and leverages Microsoft’s growing focus on seamless cloud integration. However, users should be aware: by default, only 5GB of OneDrive storage is free, and full system backups or large file sets will quickly exhaust this quota. Additional storage may come at extra cost, depending on how much space your data consumes.
Though this avenue’s upfront cost is zero, the potential for incremental spend—via upgrading OneDrive storage—deserves careful consideration. Nonetheless, tying security to cloud adoption is a clever move from Microsoft, and for many with modest storage needs, it’s a win-win.

3. Traditional Payment: $30 for One Year​

The original, most straightforward avenue is a direct purchase of ESU for $30, covering one year of coverage. This option is ideal for users who neither wish to accumulate Rewards points nor transition more data to the cloud, offering pure convenience for a moderate fee.

Simple Enrollment Through Settings and Notifications​

Previously, accessing ESU demanded insider status and navigating semi-obscure channels. Now, Microsoft streamlines the process, promising that eligible PCs will soon surface a clear enrollment wizard—either as a notification or directly within Settings. In typical Microsoft fashion, this move simplifies and demystifies what was previously an opaque corporate offering.

Frequently Asked Questions About ESU Enrollment​

Who Should Consider ESU?​

Anyone running Windows 10 on hardware that doesn’t meet Windows 11’s amplified requirements stands to benefit. This includes users with older CPUs, insufficient TPM (Trusted Platform Module) support, or who simply aren’t ready to migrate due to software compatibility. Schools, home offices, and small-business PCs tied closely to legacy peripherals or applications are prime candidates.

What’s the Catch?​

While the new ESU options are user-friendly and (potentially) free, there are caveats. The security net only extends to critical and important vulnerabilities—leaving users exposed to lesser issues and non-security complications. Technical support is not included, placing the onus of maintenance and troubleshooting squarely on the user. Moreover, any solution relying on OneDrive may trigger additional storage costs down the line.

Security Implications for Staying on Windows 10​

By design, running unsupported software is not a recommended path. Modern cyberattacks frequently exploit unpatched vulnerabilities, and unsupported operating systems have historically become juicy targets. While ESUs close the most critical gaps, they cannot account for evolving exploit techniques or inherent weaknesses that accumulate over time.
Users maintaining Windows 10 past its natural lifespan, even with ESU, should:

• Maintain diligent backups on separate storage devices.
• Run reputable third-party antivirus and anti-malware tools in addition to built-in Defender.
• Limit exposure to high-risk web activity and be cautious with downloads and attachments.
• Consider virtualization or dual-boot scenarios for critical applications requiring Windows 10 compatibility.
• Remain vigilant for phishing and social engineering attacks.

The Windows 11 Upgrade Question: To Wait or Jump?​

One major barrier for many is Windows 11’s hardware requirement bump. Microsoft has held firm on demanding Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, and newer processors, pushing security and performance ahead. While workarounds do exist (including unapproved installation paths that circumvent checks), these are officially unsupported and may trigger system instability or block key features like security updates.
Still, for users with compatible hardware, migrating to Windows 11 ensures a longer runway for security and (possibly) new features. The rewards for upgrading are clear: refreshed interface, continual updates, and compatibility with future software. For now, Microsoft continues to encourage users to make the leap and provides detailed guides and upgrade advisors to ease adoption.

Office Apps on Windows 10: Supported, but Only Just​

A fresh wrinkle for productivity users is Microsoft’s declaration that Office apps—specifically Microsoft 365—will be supported on Windows 10 for three additional years, but exclusively with security updates. There will be no new features, UI updates, or ongoing bug fixes during this interval. This extended compatibility window buys additional time for users and organizations reliant on Office, but also signals a terminal path for Windows 10 as a mainstream workspace OS.

Critical Analysis: Strengths, Risks, and Real-World Impact​

Notable Strengths​

• Accessibility: Free ESU enrollment options greatly reduce the burden on cash-strapped users.
• Flexibility: Three distinct avenues (points, cloud sync, direct payment) accommodate varying user preferences and engagement levels.
• Clear Messaging: Microsoft’s direct enrollment wizard and in-Settings prompts demystify the process.
• Extended Office Support: Microsoft 365’s three-year tail on Windows 10 helps minimize disruption for businesses and individuals reliant on Office, even as the OS itself phases out.

Potential Risks and Weaknesses​

• Security Blind Spots: ESU patches only the most severe flaws, not lesser bugs or emerging threats.
• No Technical Support: Users must self-manage troubleshooting and compatibility issues.
• Hidden Costs: While ESU can be free, extra OneDrive storage will cost real money for many, and Rewards points require prior engagement.
• Incentive Trap: By facilitating continued use of Windows 10, Microsoft risks enabling inertia, slowing adoption of safer, future-proof platforms.
• Phased Sunset: The ESU program is not indefinite; after three years, all support ends—a reality some users might misunderstand, opening the door for significant long-term risk.

On the Horizon: What Happens After ESU Ends?​

History offers strong clues: After the Windows 7 ESU program ended, many corporate and individual users faced a forced migration, sometimes with large associated costs and urgency. Microsoft has signaled the same fate for Windows 10—meaning users have, at most, a three-year grace period before the last vestiges of support disappear. At that point, continuing to use Windows 10 will carry serious and growing risk, lack of software compatibility, and exclusion from mainstream services.

Alternatives and Recommended Next Steps​

For those seeking options beyond ESU, viable paths include:

• Hardware Upgrade: Investing in a Windows 11-compatible device is a future-proof albeit costlier alternative.
• Switch to Supported Alternatives: Transitioning to Linux distributions (such as Ubuntu or Mint) has grown easier and is viable for many use cases.
• Virtualization: Running Windows 10 in a virtual machine, isolated from direct internet access, can provide legacy app support with minimized risk.
• Chromebooks or macOS: For users not tied to Windows-specific software, alternative platforms can offer modern security and long-term updates.

Final Thoughts: A Pragmatic, Temporary Solution​

Microsoft’s move to offer free ESU paths for Windows 10 is both pragmatic and consumer-friendly, especially as millions confront the realities of hardware obsolescence or upgrade hesitancy. However, this reprieve is temporary. Security best practices dictate planning an eventual migration—either to Windows 11 or alternative supported platforms—within the ESU window. As in prior transitions, those who wait too long may find themselves racing the clock, or worse, exposed to threats with no recourse.
In short, Windows 10’s ESU program offers a precious but fleeting lifeline. Claim it now if you must—but don’t mistake it for the beginning of a new era. It is, categorically, the end of one. Use the time wisely, stay vigilant, and plan your next move before the safety net disappears for good.

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Source: PCMag UK Want to Stay on Windows 10? Sign Up for Free Extended Security Updates Now