Microsoft’s decision to give Windows 10 users a one-year safety net changes the late-life calculus for millions of PCs, and — crucially — it can be obtained without paying the originally advertised per-device fee if you follow Microsoft’s new enrollment paths: sync your PC settings to a Microsoft Account via Windows Backup, redeem Microsoft Rewards points, or pay $30 for a one-time license. (support.microsoft.com, blogs.windows.com)
Microsoft has long set October 14, 2025 as the official end-of-support date for Windows 10; after that date the OS will no longer receive routine feature updates, bug fixes, or security patches under normal support. For users who cannot or will not migrate to Windows 11 — often because older hardware fails Windows 11’s system requirements — Microsoft published a consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to provide critical and important security updates for an additional year. ESU coverage runs through October 13, 2026.
This consumer-facing ESU is unusual: Microsoft offers three consumer enrollment routes. Two are effectively free (syncing settings, redeeming Rewards points) and one is a one-time purchase (one-year ESU license priced at $30 USD). The company has provided an enrollment wizard in Windows Update to guide users through the process. The program and the wizard began rolling out to Insiders first and then to broader users in mid‑2025. (blogs.windows.com, support.microsoft.com)
This strategy balances three company goals: preserve user security, limit reputational damage from an abrupt cutoff, and encourage adoption of Microsoft cloud services. It’s pragmatic — but also a clear nudge toward account-centric, cloud‑backed Windows usage.
Community and forum summaries also captured Microsoft’s messaging changes and the larger narrative: the ESU is a compromise between hard cutoffs and indefinite support, and it nudges users toward Microsoft Account and OneDrive integration as a condition of the free options.
However, ESU is not a replacement for an upgrade strategy. It’s a limited, transitional service: security‑only, account‑linked, and time‑boxed. For those able to move to Windows 11, that remains the better long-term path. Users should evaluate privacy preferences, OneDrive storage capacity, and how long they intend to rely on an old device.
Microsoft’s move is pragmatic: it protects users, eases public backlash, and nudges more accounts into the cloud. The program works, but it requires acceptance of a Microsoft Account, potential OneDrive usage, and the reality that support after October 13, 2026 will cease.
Source: Guiding Tech How to Enable Windows 10 Extended Support for Free
Microsoft has long set October 14, 2025 as the official end-of-support date for Windows 10; after that date the OS will no longer receive routine feature updates, bug fixes, or security patches under normal support. For users who cannot or will not migrate to Windows 11 — often because older hardware fails Windows 11’s system requirements — Microsoft published a consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to provide critical and important security updates for an additional year. ESU coverage runs through October 13, 2026. This consumer-facing ESU is unusual: Microsoft offers three consumer enrollment routes. Two are effectively free (syncing settings, redeeming Rewards points) and one is a one-time purchase (one-year ESU license priced at $30 USD). The company has provided an enrollment wizard in Windows Update to guide users through the process. The program and the wizard began rolling out to Insiders first and then to broader users in mid‑2025. (blogs.windows.com, support.microsoft.com)
Overview: What the Consumer ESU actually covers
- Scope: ESU provides security updates classified as critical and important. It does not include new features, quality-of-life updates, or broad technical support. Think of ESU as a defensive patch stream, not an OS upgrade.
- Coverage window: ESU protects eligible Windows 10 devices from Oct. 15, 2025 through Oct. 13, 2026. After that, Windows 10 will be unsupported and unpatched for newly discovered vulnerabilities.
- Device limit: The consumer license model allows an eligible ESU enrollment to be used on up to 10 devices tied to the same Microsoft Account in some enrollment paths; check the enrollment UI because Microsoft’s messaging indicates a single purchase may cover multiple devices under one account.
- Eligibility: Devices must be running Windows 10 (systems should be updated to the latest servicing channel — in practice, Windows 10 version 22H2 was the baseline for enrollment rollout) and must be activated with a legitimate copy of Windows 10. A Microsoft Account is required to enroll. (support.microsoft.com, wincert.net)
Why Microsoft offered free enrollment options (short analysis)
Microsoft faces a large installed base of Windows 10 devices that cannot easily move to Windows 11. For many users, especially those with older hardware, the cost of new PCs or the difficulty of upgrades are material barriers. The ESU program, with non-cash enrollment paths, reduces the “security cliff” risk while nudging users toward deeper integration with Microsoft services like OneDrive and Rewards. Industry coverage and community reporting noted that Microsoft’s approach softens the impact of the end‑of‑life date while also encouraging cloud sign‑in and OneDrive usage.This strategy balances three company goals: preserve user security, limit reputational damage from an abrupt cutoff, and encourage adoption of Microsoft cloud services. It’s pragmatic — but also a clear nudge toward account-centric, cloud‑backed Windows usage.
Who should use ESU — and who should not
- Use ESU if:
- You cannot upgrade your existing machine to Windows 11 for hardware reasons.
- You need to keep business‑critical software functioning on an older Windows 10 device for another year.
- You’re realistic about ESU’s limits (security-only updates; no feature improvements).
- Don’t rely on ESU if:
- You need long‑term support beyond October 13, 2026.
- You expect driver updates, new features, or general troubleshooting help.
- You’re uncomfortable with deeper Microsoft account usage or OneDrive backups. ESU is a stopgap, not an indefinite lifeline.
Prerequisites: what Microsoft requires before you can enroll
Before attempting enrollment, make sure you have the following:- A genuine, activated copy of Windows 10 (ideally updated to the latest cumulative updates and to version 22H2).
- A Microsoft Account with administrator privileges on the PC — signing in is required for all enrollment methods (free or paid). Microsoft’s documentation and community threads confirm that a Microsoft Account is mandatory for enrollment. (support.microsoft.com, wincert.net)
- Up‑to‑date Windows Update state (install the latest cumulative updates and any ESU‑related patches Microsoft has released). Microsoft issued fixes addressing enrollment bugs and UX issues — installing the latest updates helps ensure the ESU option appears. (techradar.com, tomsguide.com)
How to enroll: step-by-step walkthroughs
The ESU enrollment is surfaced through Windows Update via an Enrollment Wizard. There are three consumer paths: sync settings (free), redeem Rewards points (free if you have points), or pay $30 (one-time purchase). The wizard guides you through these choices; below are stepwise procedures for each path.A. Enroll for free by syncing your PC settings to OneDrive (Windows Backup)
This is the simplest “free” path if you accept OneDrive usage.- Open Settings (Win + I).
- Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
- If your device meets prerequisites, you’ll see Enroll now (or similar) under the Windows 10 end-of-support notice. Click it.
- Sign in to your Microsoft Account when prompted. Enrollment requires a Microsoft Account.
- Choose the Windows Backup / Sync settings option. If you’ve already enabled Windows Backup and are syncing settings to OneDrive, the wizard will enroll your device immediately. If not, the wizard offers to turn on Windows Backup and sync key folders and settings.
- Follow the on-screen steps to confirm and complete enrollment. Your device will show ESU enrollment in the Windows Update pane.
- Note: OneDrive’s free tier is limited to 5 GB; check your storage usage. If you exceed free capacity, you may need to purchase additional OneDrive storage (Microsoft 365 Basic or OneDrive standalone plans).
B. Redeem Microsoft Rewards points (if you have them)
If you participate in Microsoft’s Rewards program and have sufficient points, you can exchange them for an ESU enrollment.- Follow steps 1–4 above to reach the ESU Enrollment Wizard.
- Select Redeem Microsoft Rewards points as the enrollment method. The wizard will indicate how many points are required (Microsoft’s documentation specifies 1,000 points for one year).
- Complete the redemption flow. Windows Update will confirm enrollment.
- Troubleshooting note: some users have reported redemption failures in the Microsoft support forums and Q&A; if redemption fails, try signing out/in, ensure your Rewards account is active and localized correctly, or use another enrollment method. Microsoft Q&A threads document intermittent errors. (learn.microsoft.com, tomsguide.com)
C. One-time purchase ($30 USD per account/device bundle)
If you prefer to pay, this is the straightforward method.- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Enroll now.
- Select the payment option and complete the transaction through the Microsoft Store. The fee is a one-time charge for the one‑year ESU period and Microsoft’s UI will show which devices are covered under the purchase in that account. (support.microsoft.com, blogs.windows.com)
Troubleshooting common enrollment issues
- ESU option not showing: confirm Windows 10 is updated to the latest patches and to version 22H2; restart and check Windows Update again. Microsoft has rolled the enrollment wizard out gradually, so availability can be staged. (support.microsoft.com, techradar.com)
- Rewards redemption fails: check Microsoft Q&A and support channels — multiple users reported intermittent redemption errors during the early rollout. If you meet requirements but redemption fails, try alternate enrollment or contact Microsoft support. (learn.microsoft.com, tomsguide.com)
- OneDrive storage limits: Windows Backup’s syncing can quickly use OneDrive space. If you rely on the sync path, confirm you have enough free OneDrive storage (5 GB free) or plan to purchase extra storage.
Privacy, telemetry, and cost analysis — what you gain and what you trade
- Security trade-off: ESU provides security updates for an additional year. That reduces immediate attack surface risk versus running an unpatched OS. This is the key benefit.
- Data/telemetry trade-off: the zero‑cost sync path requires a Microsoft Account and uses cloud backup (OneDrive). That increases your reliance on Microsoft cloud infrastructure and — implicitly — the telemetry associated with cloud‑backed services. The tax is not monetary but a linkage of device state to a corporate account. The privacy implications are modest for many consumers but should be considered by privacy‑sensitive users.
- Monetization nudge: the free OneDrive path can push users toward paid storage if the 5GB free allowance is exhausted; Microsoft’s OneDrive Basic plans are inexpensive but recurring, which changes the cost calculus. The Rewards route nudges ecosystem engagement. Both free options are contingent on Microsoft account use. (microsoft.com, blogs.windows.com)
Risks and limitations you must know
- ESU is a temporary measure. It ends Oct. 13, 2026; plan longer‑term migration strategies. Do not treat ESU as indefinite support.
- ESU only covers selected security updates. If vendor drivers, firmware updates, or application-level fixes are needed, ESU may not protect against all attack vectors.
- Account dependency: enrollment requires a Microsoft Account. If you prefer local accounts or avoid cloud sign‑ins, ESU may be unattractive.
- Enrollment UX and rollout bugs: early rollouts experienced bugs that blocked enrollment for some users; Microsoft issued patches to address those issues. If you encounter a buggy flow, ensure your system is fully patched and revisit Settings > Windows Update. (techradar.com, tomsguide.com)
Alternatives to ESU (options to consider now)
- Upgrade to Windows 11: If your PC meets Windows 11 requirements (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, supported CPU), an upgrade is free and gives you long‑term support. Microsoft’s support pages and Upgrade Assistant can help you check compatibility.
- Buy or migrate to a new Windows 11 PC: If hardware fails to meet Windows 11 specs, a hardware refresh delivers long-term security and feature upgrades. Microsoft and many OEMs run trade-in and recycling programs.
- Switch to a different OS: For older hardware, Linux distributions can provide modern security updates and long-term viability for many desktop tasks, though compatibility for certain Windows-only applications can be a blocker. This is a realistic option for tech-savvy users.
- Use cloud/virtual desktops: Windows 365 Cloud PC and some virtualization solutions can keep you on a supported Windows environment even with older local hardware; Microsoft’s blog mentions Windows 365 as a path with automatic ESU entitlement for cloud VMs.
Real‑world reports and rollout notes (what the press and users saw)
Independent reporting and community forums tracked Microsoft’s gradual rollout and occasional snags. Tech outlets covered an update that fixed enrollment bugs and made the ESU option more accessible to all eligible machines; some community threads documented Rewards redemption errors and confusion about OneDrive storage implications. These user reports underscore that while the program is broadly available, practical enrollment may require patience and a few troubleshooting steps. (techradar.com, tomsguide.com, learn.microsoft.com)Community and forum summaries also captured Microsoft’s messaging changes and the larger narrative: the ESU is a compromise between hard cutoffs and indefinite support, and it nudges users toward Microsoft Account and OneDrive integration as a condition of the free options.
Practical checklist before you enroll (quick, scannable)
- Ensure Windows 10 is fully updated and on version 22H2 (or later if Microsoft indicates).
- Back up essential files outside of OneDrive as well (local backup or external drive). Do this before changing sync settings or toggling backup.
- Have your Microsoft Account ready and confirm it has admin rights on the PC.
- Decide whether you’ll use: (a) Windows Backup/OneDrive sync, (b) Microsoft Rewards points (1,000 points), or (c) pay $30.
- If using OneDrive, verify your free 5GB quota or be prepared to purchase more storage if your backup needs exceed that limit.
Final assessment: Is ESU the right move?
For most Windows 10 users who cannot upgrade hardware and need an immediate security solution, ESU is a sensible, low‑risk one‑year safety net — especially when accessed through the free sync method or via Rewards points. It reduces exposure to new exploit classes and gives you breathing room to plan a migration.However, ESU is not a replacement for an upgrade strategy. It’s a limited, transitional service: security‑only, account‑linked, and time‑boxed. For those able to move to Windows 11, that remains the better long-term path. Users should evaluate privacy preferences, OneDrive storage capacity, and how long they intend to rely on an old device.
Microsoft’s move is pragmatic: it protects users, eases public backlash, and nudges more accounts into the cloud. The program works, but it requires acceptance of a Microsoft Account, potential OneDrive usage, and the reality that support after October 13, 2026 will cease.
Closing notes for readers who want to act now
- Confirm your Windows 10 version and update status via Settings > System > About and Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Have your Microsoft Account credentials ready and check your OneDrive free storage if you plan to use the sync option.
- Visit Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update — look for the ESU enrollment prompt and follow the wizard to choose your path. If you don’t see the option immediately, ensure the system is fully patched and try again later; the rollout was staged. (support.microsoft.com, techradar.com)
Source: Guiding Tech How to Enable Windows 10 Extended Support for Free