Windows 10 ESU: Get a Free Extra Year of Security Updates to Oct 2026

Windows 10 has reached its official end-of-support date, but Microsoft has opened a one-year safety valve — the consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program — that lets eligible Windows 10 PCs continue receiving security-only patches through October 13, 2026; for many home users that extra year can be claimed from inside Windows with no out-of-pocket cost by linking a Microsoft Account and enabling Windows Backup (OneDrive) or by redeeming Microsoft Rewards points or making a one-time purchase.

Background / Overview​

Microsoft set a firm lifecycle cutoff for Windows 10: October 14, 2025 is the official end-of-support date for consumer editions. After that date Microsoft stops delivering routine feature and quality updates and standard technical support for Windows 10 Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Pro for Workstations — unless a device is enrolled in an approved ESU pathway.
The consumer ESU program is intentionally narrow: it supplies security-only updates (those Microsoft classifies as Critical or Important) for enrolled devices through October 13, 2026. It is explicitly not a continuation of normal support: ESU does not include feature updates, non-security fixes, performance improvements, or general technical support. Treat this program as a one-year planning window, not a permanent solution.
Industry coverage and how‑to reporting — including a recent piece summarizing the step-by-step enrollment flow — captured the practical outcome: many users can claim that year quickly from inside Settings by following the ESU wizard, but there are prerequisites and regional caveats to understand first.

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What Microsoft announced (the essentials)​

• The last day of mainstream support for Windows 10 (consumer editions) was October 14, 2025. After that day, the OS will no longer receive routine patches unless enrolled in ESU.
• Consumer ESU coverage runs through October 13, 2026, and Microsoft will deliver security-only updates via Windows Update to enrolled devices.
• Microsoft published three consumer enrollment options that deliver the same ESU entitlement:
• Free (cloud-backed): Sign into Windows with a Microsoft Account (MSA) and enable Windows Backup / “Sync your settings” (OneDrive-based backup). No cash payment required for this route.
• Microsoft Rewards: Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points and apply them to enroll the MSA.
• Paid one-time purchase: A one-time consumer purchase (reported at roughly $30 USD or local equivalent) assigns an ESU license to your Microsoft Account. This option is for those who prefer not to enable cloud sync.

Microsoft also rolled the enrollment flow into the OS: eligible devices will see an “Enroll now” link under Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update when the staged rollout reaches them. The wizard checks eligibility and walks users through signing in and enabling the chosen enrollment method.

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Who qualifies — eligibility checklist​

Before you try to enroll, confirm these technical and account prerequisites:

• The device must be running Windows 10, version 22H2 (consumer SKUs: Home, Pro, Pro Education, Pro for Workstations). Devices on earlier Windows 10 feature updates are not eligible until updated to 22H2.
• Your system must have the required cumulative updates and servicing‑stack updates that Microsoft shipped in mid‑2025 to enable the in‑Windows enrollment flow. If those preparatory updates are missing, the wizard won’t appear.
• To use the free cloud-backed route you must be signed into the PC with a Microsoft Account (MSA) and be an administrator on the device. Local accounts are not eligible for the free sync route; you’ll be prompted to sign in to an MSA during enrollment if needed.
• Devices managed by IT (domain-joined, enterprise-managed, kiosk or school accounts) should use commercial ESU channels; the consumer flow is intended for home and personal devices.

If you don’t meet these conditions, the ESU wizard won’t appear. That’s the most common reason users report not seeing the “Enroll now” option, even after the October 14 deadline.

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How to get the extra year — practical step-by-step (free cloud-backed path)​

The free cloud-backed route is the fastest path many consumers will use. It ties the ESU entitlement to your Microsoft Account and a OneDrive backup of Windows settings. Follow this carefully.

• Confirm your Windows version and updates
• Open Settings → System → About and confirm Windows 10, version 22H2. If not on 22H2, apply feature updates until you reach 22H2 and install all available cumulative updates and servicing stack updates. Microsoft intentionally gates enrollment behind these updates.
• Use an administrator Microsoft Account
• Sign in to the device with an administrator account. If you use a local account, be prepared to switch to (or add) a Microsoft Account when prompted during enrollment. Microsoft’s guidance requires an MSA for the free option.
• Check Windows Update for the ESU wizard
• Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update. If your device is eligible and Microsoft’s staged rollout has reached it, you’ll see an “Enroll now” link or an ESU notification. Click it to start the process.
• Choose the free enrollment path inside the wizard
• If you already back up PC settings to OneDrive, the wizard should recognize that and offer to add the device to ESU without payment. If you’re not backing up settings, the wizard will prompt you to begin backing up settings (OneDrive), redeem Rewards, or buy ESU. Opt for backup to claim the free route.
• Complete enrollment and verify
• After completing the wizard you should see a confirmation such as “Add this device to receive Extended Security Updates” and a success message when ESU is attached to your Microsoft Account. Reboot and check Windows Update — future security-only patches should arrive through the normal Windows Update channel for enrolled devices.

Note: Microsoft’s consumer guidance says an ESU license can be used on up to 10 devices tied to the same Microsoft Account, but each device must meet eligibility requirements and be enrolled individually.

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Important regional differences and the privacy trade-offs​

Microsoft’s consumer ESU program has regional nuance that affects the privacy calculus and the exact enrollment mechanics.

• In the European Economic Area (EEA), regulators and consumer groups prompted Microsoft to soften the free route’s mandatory backup requirement. EEA users can access the free ESU path with less forced OneDrive dependency, but Microsoft still requires periodic Microsoft Account sign-ins (reports indicate reauthentication roughly every 60 days) to keep the entitlement active. This concession reduces the cloud-dependency friction for European users.
• Outside the EEA (including the United States), the free route generally does require linking the Windows sign-in to an MSA and enabling Windows Backup (OneDrive). That means the free option has a cost in the form of increased account linkage and potential use of OneDrive storage. If you prefer a local account and no cloud linkage, the one-time paid purchase avoids the sign-in/back‑up requirement.
• OneDrive free storage is limited to 5 GB with a free Microsoft account. If your Windows Backup needs exceed that amount (or you store more files in OneDrive than the free default), you’ll either need to purchase more OneDrive storage or turn off the specific items you don’t want to back up (Documents, Pictures, Videos) so you remain under the 5 GB threshold. Microsoft’s OneDrive plan page confirms the free tier is 5 GB.

Practical implication: the “free” year is real for many users, but it’s conditional on using Microsoft account services. That’s a legitimate privacy and cloud-dependency trade-off to weigh before enrolling.

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What ESU does — and what it doesn’t​

Understand the scope precisely:

• ESU provides only security updates classified as Critical or Important by Microsoft’s Security Response Center. Expect monthly security patches delivered via Windows Update for enrolled devices.
• ESU does not include:
• Feature updates or new functionality
• Non-security bug or performance fixes
• Standard Microsoft technical support beyond the security deliveries tied to ESU
• This is a time-limited bridge that ends on October 13, 2026. Use it to plan, test app compatibility, migrate data, or prepare a hardware refresh — not as a long-term strategy.

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Troubleshooting: common issues and how to resolve them​

• “I don’t see ‘Enroll now’ in Windows Update.”
• Confirm you’re on version 22H2 and that all cumulative and servicing updates are installed. Microsoft rolled preparatory updates in 2025 that enable the enrollment wizard; missing those updates prevents the UI from appearing. Check Windows Update and install any pending updates, reboot, and check again.
• “I prefer a local account but don’t want to sign into Microsoft.”
• If you refuse the Microsoft Account sign-in, the paid one-time purchase (~$30) is the route that allows you to keep a local account while getting ESU. However, there are reports that even the paid route requires an MSA at some point during the transaction flow (you associate the license with an account), so read the prompts carefully.
• “OneDrive says I’m out of space.”
• Verify your OneDrive quota. Free accounts get 5 GB; if you need more backup space, you can either reduce what you back up (toggle Documents/Pictures/Videos off in Settings → OneDrive) or buy a Microsoft 365 / OneDrive storage tier. Microsoft’s plan pages document the 5 GB free tier and upgrade options.
• “ESU stopped applying on one of my devices.”
• If you used the free route and stop signing in with the MSA on that device, Microsoft can discontinue ESU updates after a period (reports indicate up to 60 days before entitlements are removed). Re-sign into the account and re-enroll if necessary. EEA users are explicitly subject to periodic sign-in checks; treat reauthentication as part of the maintenance routine.

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Alternatives: upgrade, replace, or move off Windows​

ESU buys time — not forever. Use the year to choose a long-term plan.

• Upgrade to Windows 11 if your PC meets hardware requirements (TPM, supported CPU, firmware features). Upgrading keeps you on a supported OS with feature and security updates. Many recent PCs are eligible and Microsoft’s Windows 11 upgrade path remains free for eligible devices.
• Replace the PC with a new Windows 11 machine if your hardware is too old or incompatible. New hardware gives better security, longer support, and improved performance.
• Consider alternatives like macOS or ChromeOS for specific use cases (web-first computing, education, or media consumption). Each platform has a different lifecycle; plan migrations carefully and test software compatibility.
• For advanced users, a Linux desktop distribution may be a viable long-term option for older machines; be mindful of application compatibility, particularly for specialized Windows-only programs.

Use the ESU year intentionally: patch, plan, migrate. Don’t let the extra year become an excuse to defer decision-making indefinitely.

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Security advice while on ESU​

• Keep regular backups (separate from OneDrive) of your important files. ESU covers OS security patches, but backups protect against ransomware, hardware failure, and human error. Maintain an offline backup copy in addition to cloud backups.
• Use strong malware protection, keep third‑party apps updated (browsers, Java, Adobe apps), and minimize exposure (disable unnecessary services). ESU only protects the OS layer for a limited set of security issues; vulnerabilities in other software remain your responsibility.
• If you run a small business or handle sensitive data, consider migrating to a supported OS sooner rather than later — regulatory and compliance risk increases on unsupported systems. ESU is a bridge, not a compliance solution.

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What reporters missed — clarifying common misconceptions​

• “Windows 10 suddenly stops working on October 14, 2025.”
• False. Machines continue to function, but they stop receiving routine updates unless enrolled in ESU. That makes them progressively more vulnerable to new threats.
• “The free ESU is identical worldwide with no strings attached.”
• Not quite. The free route exists broadly, but Microsoft introduced region-specific adjustments (EEA) and requires a Microsoft Account and Windows Backup for many non‑EEA users. The paid or Rewards-route alternatives exist for people who don’t want cloud dependency. Verify the enrollment prompts on your device to see which options Microsoft is offering locally.
• “ESU includes performance or feature fixes.”
• No. ESU is security-only. If you rely on OS improvements or non-security bug fixes, ESU will not deliver them.

Where news headlines simplified the story to “extend Windows 10 for free instantly,” the condensed message is grounded in fact — but the full picture includes prerequisites, regional differences, privacy trade-offs, and time limits that change the user decision.

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Final assessment: who should enroll and what to plan​

The consumer ESU program is a practical, short-term lifeline for:

• Households with older hardware that cannot update to Windows 11 immediately.
• Users who need time to validate application compatibility before migrating.
• Families that want more time to budget for new hardware or consult IT for a safe migration.

However, it is not an indefinite safe harbor. ESU is explicitly temporary and limited to security-only fixes. Enroll if you need breathing room, but use the year to execute a migration plan: upgrade eligible PCs to Windows 11, replace incompatible hardware, or port critical workloads to supported platforms.
If you plan to enroll via the free OneDrive-backed route, verify your OneDrive quota (5 GB free by default) and be comfortable with tying the device to a Microsoft Account. If that trade-off is unacceptable, choose the Rewards or paid route instead.

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Quick checklist — confirm before you click “Enroll now”​

• [ ] Windows 10, version 22H2 installed.
• [ ] All pending cumulative and servicing updates applied.
• [ ] Signed in as an administrator (Microsoft Account for free route).
• [ ] OneDrive free quota (5 GB) or paid storage plan organized if you intend to use the free cloud-backed path.
• [ ] Backup of important files (local copy + cloud).

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Windows 10’s decade-long run is over as an actively supported consumer platform, but Microsoft’s consumer ESU program gives many users one practical year to move safely. The path is real and can be free for households that accept the Microsoft Account / OneDrive trade-off, but the program’s constraints, regional nuances, and the short one-year horizon mean the smart move is to treat ESU as a planning window: patch, plan, and migrate before October 13, 2026.

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Source: Engadget Windows 10 support has ended, but here's how to get an extra year for free

 

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Windows 10’s “end of support” no longer has to mean instant exposure for every PC: Microsoft and third‑party reporting confirm a narrowly scoped consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program that will deliver security‑only patches through October 13, 2026 for eligible machines — and there are three consumer enrollment routes (one paid and two free or no‑cash) that let many users claim that year of protection.

Background / Overview​

Microsoft fixed a firm end‑of‑support date for Windows 10: October 14, 2025. After that day, standard monthly security and quality updates, plus routine technical support for consumer Windows 10 editions, stop unless a device is enrolled in an extension path. That calendar date is absolute and non‑negotiable for unsupported servicing; the consumer ESU program is Microsoft’s short, one‑year bridge to reduce immediate exposure for households who cannot or will not migrate to Windows 11 right away.
The consumer ESU is deliberately limited:

• It delivers Critical and Important security updates only — no new features, non‑security quality fixes, or broad Microsoft technical support.
• Coverage for enrolled consumer devices runs through October 13, 2026.
• Eligibility is tied to specific Windows 10 editions and builds (see prerequisites below).

These are not enterprise multi‑year ESUs; the consumer program is a one‑year, account‑centric lifeline that can be claimed in multiple ways depending on your location and privacy preferences.

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What changed for European users (EEA) — and why it matters​

Regulatory and consumer pressure led Microsoft to adjust how it offers free ESU access inside the European Economic Area (EEA). For EEA consumers, Microsoft relaxed the requirement to enable cloud backup as the only free route; instead, EEA users can access free ESU coverage while only needing to authenticate the same Microsoft Account periodically (reports and Microsoft’s regional pages indicate re‑authentication every 60 days for the free EEA flow). Outside the EEA, the original consumer options (enable Windows Backup to OneDrive, redeem Microsoft Rewards, or pay a one‑time fee) still apply.
This creates a practical two‑tier customer experience: EEA residents can obtain the free year of security updates with fewer cloud‑tie constraints, while non‑EEA consumers must either accept the OneDrive backup route or use the Rewards / paid option. The change reflects local privacy rules and public pressure, but it does not extend the ESU timeline beyond October 13, 2026.

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Who is eligible (short checklist)​

Before you try to enroll, confirm these load‑bearing eligibility items:

• Device edition: Windows 10 Home, Pro, Pro Education, or Pro for Workstations running Windows 10, version 22H2.
• Servicing state: Device must be fully patched with the latest cumulative and servicing‑stack updates Microsoft shipped before cut‑off; Microsoft released preparatory updates in mid‑2025 to enable the in‑product enrollment flow (for example KB5063709 is the August 12, 2025 cumulative that many news reports flagged as required on some devices).
• Account: Enrollment is tied to a Microsoft Account (MSA), which must be an administrator account on the device (child accounts are excluded).
• Not eligible: Domain‑joined/managed devices (AD or Entra‑joined in commercial modes), kiosk mode, devices in MDM enrollments — these must follow enterprise channels.

If you’re unsure about the build or whether required updates are present, run Windows Update and check Settings → System → About for the Windows 10 build number; the ESU enrollment link is rolled out gradually and appears only on devices that meet prerequisites.

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How much it costs — the three consumer ESU routes​

Microsoft offers three equivalent consumer ways to receive ESU coverage through October 13, 2026:

• Free (cloud‑backed): Sign into Windows with a Microsoft Account and enable Windows Backup / Sync your settings, which maps the ESU entitlement to your MSA. This is the most common no‑cash path outside the EEA.
• Rewards points: Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points and apply them to enroll the account — no cash required if you already have points.
• Paid: One‑time purchase (~$30 USD or local equivalent plus tax) to associate an ESU license with your Microsoft Account. Microsoft’s documentation and multiple reports cite roughly $30 as the consumer one‑time fee.

All three methods grant access to the same security updates through the same program end date; they differ only in enrollment mechanics and privacy trade‑offs. For EEA consumers the free route has been relaxed to avoid cloud‑binding as a de facto condition, but Microsoft still requires MSA authentication.
Note: calls that claim trivial ways to “earn 1,000 Rewards points instantly” (for example, “download the Bing app and get 500 points”) can be misleading — Microsoft Rewards accrual rates and promotions change frequently and are not a guaranteed instant path. Treat Rewards accrual claims as variable and verify your Rewards account before relying on that route. This is a practical caveat rather than a program rule.

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Step‑by‑step: How to enroll (the usual consumer path)​

• Confirm your OS: open Settings → System → About and verify Windows 10, version 22H2 is listed. If not, run Windows Update and install the available feature/LCU updates until you reach 22H2.
• Patch first: install any outstanding cumulative updates and the servicing stack updates (August 12, 2025 cumulative KB5063709 was widely used to deliver enrollment fixes). Reboot as required.
• Sign in with an MSA: if you use a local account, go to Settings → Accounts and sign into your device with the Microsoft Account you want the ESU license tied to (the account must be an administrator).
• Open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update and look for an “Enroll now” or “Extended security updates” banner or link. This is a phased rollout — not everyone will see it simultaneously.
• Follow the wizard: choose the free backup route (enable Windows Backup / sync settings), redeem Rewards, or pay the one‑time fee as you prefer. The wizard attaches the ESU entitlement to your Microsoft Account and will show your enrollment status.
• Confirm: After successful enrollment the device remains eligible to receive security updates through Windows Update for the ESU window (through October 13, 2026). You can enroll additional devices tied to the same account via Settings → Windows Update → Enroll now → Add device.

If you don’t see the option, verify your build, apply pending updates, and give Microsoft’s phased rollout time — news outlets reported an initial bug in the enrollment flow that was corrected by the August 2025 cumulative (KB5063709), so installing that package helped many users.

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Privacy, storage, and practical trade‑offs​

The free cloud‑backed route requires enabling Windows Backup (settings sync) to OneDrive by default. A few privacy and storage points to consider:

• OneDrive storage: Microsoft’s free OneDrive tier starts at 5 GB. If you enable full system backup or save many files, you may need to purchase additional OneDrive storage — that cost is separate from ESU enrollment. Plan your backup choices accordingly.
• Telemetry and account ties: Signing in with an MSA and syncing settings ties an ESU entitlement to that account. Outside the EEA, Microsoft originally required Windows Backup as the no‑cash condition; EEA adjustments loosened that for consumers in Europe but still require periodic MSA authentication. Consider whether account‑centric enrollment matches your privacy posture.
• Rewards route caveats: Microsoft Rewards availability, point accrual rates, and promotions vary by market and over time. Points redemption can be a legitimate no‑cash route, but earning 1,000 points may take time unless you already have a balance. Verify Rewards terms in your account.

Be explicit about the difference between backing up settings (what Microsoft uses to validate the free path) and uploading full system images. The required sync is focused on settings and account association in the consumer wizard — it is not intended as a full disk backup service — but users should always maintain independent full backups before any major OS or account changes.

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Troubleshooting common enroll‑time snags​

• No “Enroll now” banner: Confirm you are on 22H2, installed the latest cumulative updates (including mid‑2025 servicing updates), and signed into an MSA that is an admin account. If all that’s true, give Microsoft’s staged rollout time.
• Enrollment wizard crashes or fails: Many reports showed early enrollment crashes that Microsoft fixed in an August 2025 cumulative (KB5063709). Install that update and retry.
• “Device is ineligible”: Domain‑joined machines, MDM‑managed devices, kiosk devices, and some commercial configurations are excluded from the consumer ESU — use your organization’s IT channels or the enterprise ESU options.
• Worried about OneDrive space: choose the paid enrolment option or Rewards route to avoid increasing OneDrive usage. If you enable sync, verify what exactly is being backed up and consider off‑device backups for large data sets.

If enrollment still fails, collect these details before contacting Microsoft: Windows 10 build and build number, list of installed KBs (DISM /online /get-packages), whether the PC is domain‑joined or MDM‑enrolled, and the MSA used for enrollment. Those diagnostics clarify eligibility quickly.

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Upgrade or stay? A decision framework​

ESU is explicitly a bridge, not an indefinite solution. Use the extra time wisely.

• Upgrade to Windows 11 if your hardware meets the requirements (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, supported CPU, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage). Upgrading restores full feature and security servicing and avoids the account/storage trade‑offs of ESU. Many OEMs and retailers offer affordable Windows 11 PCs if your current hardware is unsupported.
• Use ESU as breathing room: treat the ESU year as time to test app compatibility, move critical workloads, and budget for replacement hardware or an in‑place upgrade.
• Replace or repurpose old hardware: consider Linux distributions or ChromeOS Flex for machines that can’t run Windows 11 safely; for certain legacy appliances, migrating workloads to cloud desktops (Windows 365 / Azure Virtual Desktop) may be a sensible alternative.

When making the call, weigh three factors: security exposure (unpatched OS risks), compatibility with business or creative applications, and privacy/account trade‑offs a free ESU path imposes. If you value privacy and don’t want account entanglement, the paid $30 route is a simple purchase — otherwise EEA residents now have a less intrusive free route.

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The Microsoft 365 apps exception (important nuance)​

Microsoft updated its guidance for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10: while Microsoft 365 Apps will continue to function after October 14, 2025, Microsoft will provide security updates for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 through October 10, 2028 (three years), with different last‑feature‑update dates depending on Office servicing channels. However, Microsoft’s support will be limited: if a problem only occurs on Windows 10 but not on Windows 11, support staff may ask you to move to Windows 11 for remediation. That means Microsoft 365 remains usable, but it’s not a full substitute for OS‑level patches. Plan accordingly.

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Risks and what Microsoft’s lifeline does not cover​

• No feature updates: ESU does not restore new security features, new Windows capabilities, or quality fixes that aren’t security classified. Your OS remains frozen except for priority security patches.
• Growing attack surface: As time passes, unpatched vulnerabilities in non‑ESU components or third‑party drivers may surface without vendor fixes. ESU reduces but does not eliminate risk.
• Regulatory and compliance risks: For regulated environments, running an unsupported OS can create compliance gaps even if you use ESU — check your industry rules if you operate in finance, healthcare, or government.
• Limited technical support: Consumer ESU doesn’t come with broad Microsoft technical help for Windows‑10‑specific issues; Microsoft’s assistance may be limited or redirected to upgrade guidance.

If any claim about ESU enrollment mechanics in third‑party stories feels too good to be true — such as instantly gaining updates without meeting the 22H2 and update prerequisites — verify using Microsoft’s official “Windows 10 Extended Security Updates” page and check your Windows Update pane. The official page is the authoritative reference on enrollment mechanics and prerequisites.

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Quick reference checklist (what to do in the next 48 hours)​

• Open Settings → System → About and confirm Windows 10, version 22H2.
• Run Windows Update until no important updates remain; install cumulative updates and SSUs (look for updates released in mid‑2025 such as KB5063709 if you encounter an enrollment bug).
• Decide your enrollment path: free with MSA + Windows Backup, redeem 1,000 Rewards points, or pay the one‑time fee. If you’re in the EEA, read the local guidance — the free route has been relaxed there and may not require full backup sync.
• Backup critical data to an independent location (external drive or cloud of your choice) before making account or enrollment changes. ESU protects the OS but is not a substitute for regular backups.

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Conclusion — how to treat ESU: a practical, time‑boxed safety net​

Microsoft’s consumer ESU program buys most households a single, time‑boxed year of security updates through October 13, 2026 when they cannot immediately move to Windows 11. For many users this is a pragmatic bridge — but it carries clear limits: it’s security‑only, account‑tied, and not a long‑term substitute for upgrading or replacing unsupported hardware.
Follow the enrollment checklist, confirm prerequisites (22H2 and required cumulative updates), and treat the ESU year as breathing room to plan a permanent migration. For EEA consumers the pathway is functionally friendlier on privacy rules; for non‑EEA users the choice between enabling OneDrive backup, using Rewards, or paying the one‑time fee is the practical trade‑off. Use official Microsoft guidance for verification, and if anything in third‑party coverage sounds too easy, check your Windows Update pane and Microsoft’s ESU page before acting.

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This feature consolidates Microsoft’s official program details, independent reporting, and observed user experiences to give a clear, step‑by‑step view of the consumer ESU option — what it buys you, how to enroll, which machines qualify, and why it should be a temporary, deliberate stop on the path to a fully supported platform.

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Source: PCMag UK Still on Windows 10? Here's How to Extend Your Support Through 2026

 

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If your PC is still on Windows 10, the calendar has already moved the goalposts: mainstream support ended on October 14, 2025, but Microsoft has made a narrow, time‑boxed escape hatch available that can keep security‑only updates flowing through October 13, 2026 — provided you meet eligibility rules and complete the enrollment steps now.

Background / Overview​

Microsoft set a firm end‑of‑support date for Windows 10: after October 14, 2025 the operating system no longer receives routine feature updates, quality updates, or standard technical support. For many households and small businesses that cannot move to Windows 11 immediately, Microsoft introduced a consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program designed to deliver critical and important security fixes for one additional year, through October 13, 2026.
This consumer ESU is deliberately limited: it supplies security‑only updates (no new features, no general Microsoft technical support) and it comes with several prerequisites and trade‑offs. For users who need breathing room to migrate apps, replace hardware, or budget upgrades, ESU is useful — but it is not a permanent solution. Treat it as a time‑boxed runway, not a destination.

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What the extension actually is — the essentials​

• The hard end of standard Windows 10 support: October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft stopped issuing routine security and feature updates for most Windows 10 editions.
• The consumer ESU window (security updates only): coverage through October 13, 2026.
• Eligible platform: Windows 10, version 22H2 (Home, Pro, Pro Education, Pro for Workstations, Education, Enterprise variants) — your device must be updated to this final Windows 10 build before ESU will apply.
• What ESU delivers: Critical and Important security updates only — no feature updates, no broad bug‑fix servicing, no routine technical support beyond ESU activation/installation assistance.
• Enrollment routes (consumer program): one free cloud‑sync route, a Microsoft Rewards redemption route, and a paid one‑time license route. Each route grants the same ESU entitlement for the covered period.

These points define the program’s practical contours: limited duration, narrow scope, and enrollment prerequisites.

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Who qualifies — eligibility checklist​

Before you attempt to enroll, confirm each item below to avoid surprises:

• Device is running Windows 10, version 22H2. If your PC is on an older Windows 10 build, upgrade to 22H2 and install the latest cumulative updates first.
• You are using a consumer edition supported by the consumer ESU path (Home, Pro, Pro Education, Pro for Workstations, Education). Domain‑joined or MDM‑managed enterprise devices follow enterprise ESU channels instead.
• Administrator privileges on the device, and the ability to sign in with a Microsoft account (MSA) if you plan to use the free enrollment route.
• Latest servicing stack and cumulative updates applied — certain August 2025 and later updates include fixes that make the ESU enrollment experience stable and visible in Settings.
• If you rely on privacy‑sensitive workflows and refuse to sign into an MSA or enable cloud sync, you will likely need to purchase a paid ESU license or pick another migration path; the free route requires account sign-in and sync.

If any of those items are missing, resolve them before expecting the ESU enrollment prompt to appear.

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How you can get the extra year — practical enrollment options​

There are three consumer routes to attach ESU protection to eligible devices. Each grants the same one‑year security entitlement; they differ only in process and the trade‑offs involved.

• Free route — enable Windows Backup / Sync your settings and sign in with a Microsoft account. This ties an ESU entitlement to your MSA and uses OneDrive backup/sync as a verification mechanism. It’s typically the fastest no‑cash option.
• Microsoft Rewards route — redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points (if you already have them) to claim ESU.
• Paid route — purchase a one‑time consumer ESU license for a modest fee (reported around $30 USD as a ballpark; regional pricing and taxes may vary). A single purchased license can cover multiple devices associated with the same Microsoft account within Microsoft’s published limits.

Important operational notes:

• Enrollment appears in Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update as an Enroll or Extend updates option when your device meets prerequisites and Microsoft’s phased rollout has reached your device.
• If you don’t see the option immediately, installing the latest cumulative and servicing stack updates (including recent August 2025 updates that fixed enrollment issues) improves your chances of making the wizard visible.
• Microsoft’s consumer ESU is tied to account and device state; domain‑joined enterprise machines must use enterprise ESU channels.

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Step‑by‑step: how to enroll now (practical checklist)​

• Confirm your Windows build:
• Open Settings → System → About and verify you’re on Windows 10, version 22H2.
• Update Windows fully:
• Run Windows Update, install all available cumulative and servicing stack updates. Some August 2025 updates include fixes that make ESU enrollment visible and stable.
• Back up first:
• Create a full system image or at minimum back up Documents, Pictures and important configuration files to an external drive or cloud storage. Export BitLocker recovery keys and keep them safe.
• Sign in with (or create) a Microsoft Account:
• If using the free option, sign into an MSA from Settings → Accounts → Your info and enable Windows Backup / Sync your settings.
• Look for the enrollment wizard:
• Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update. If the enrollment banner is present, run the Enroll now wizard and follow the prompts.
• If the option does not appear:
• Ensure all updates are installed, restart the PC, and check again. If needed, consider redeeming Microsoft Rewards points or purchasing a consumer ESU license.
• Confirm ESU entitlement:
• When enrollment completes, Windows Update should show that ESU entitlement is active and that the device will receive applicable security updates through the ESU coverage window.

If you encounter enrollment errors, re‑verify updates and account settings; many early visibility problems were resolved by the August 2025 servicing updates. If you still can’t enroll, enterprise/managed devices and some specialized SKUs may be excluded and need different channels.

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Immediate actions to reduce risk (what to do right now)​

• Update to Windows 10, version 22H2 and install the latest cumulative updates. This is the single most important step to make ESU available and to reduce exposure.
• Create a full backup image and export BitLocker recovery keys. Do this before making major account or update changes.
• Sign into a Microsoft account if you are comfortable doing so and enable Windows Backup/sync to qualify for the free route.
• If privacy or policy prevents using an MSA, be prepared to buy the paid ESU license or move to a supported platform.
• If your machine is a critical system (work device, financial services, healthcare, government contracting), treat October 14, 2025 as a security milestone and move to supported Windows 11 systems or enterprise ESU as soon as practicable.

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Migration alternatives — beyond the one‑year bridge​

ESU is a bridge, not a long‑term plan. Consider these long‑term options and choose the one that fits budget, software compatibility, and security needs:

• Upgrade to Windows 11 (in‑place) — preserves files and many apps if the PC meets Windows 11 minimum requirements (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, supported CPU families). Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check or reputable third‑party compatibility tools to confirm eligibility.
• Buy a new Windows 11 PC — cleanest option for long‑term support and access to new features, including Copilot+ experiences on qualifying systems.
• Move to an alternate OS (Linux distros, ChromeOS Flex) — a valid and low‑cost path for machines used primarily for web and basic productivity tasks; modern Linux distributions offer strong security and extended hardware life.
• Host legacy Windows workloads in the cloud — Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop allow running supported Windows instances from the cloud, decoupling local hardware from software lifecycle constraints.
• Hybrid approach — keep a small number of legacy machines on ESU while migrating day‑to‑day work to modern hardware. This concentrates exposure and reduces risk footprint.

Each path has trade‑offs: hardware cost, application compatibility, and user training. Use the ESU year to test and validate the chosen migration path rather than to delay indefinitely.

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Security and operational caveats — what ESU does not cover​

• ESU does not deliver feature updates, performance improvements, non‑security bug fixes, or broad customer support. It is a security‑patch stream only.
• Driver and firmware problems are outside ESU’s scope; hardware vendors control driver updates and firmware patches, and those can create compatibility or stability gaps even if ESU is active.
• Some Microsoft applications and services have independent lifecycle calendars; for example, Microsoft 365 Apps servicing on Windows 10 has its own timeline and may continue for a separate window — that is not a substitute for OS‑level patches.
• ESU entitlements are account‑tied and time‑limited. Consumer ESU is explicitly one year; enterprise ESU follows different pricing and multi‑year models.
• Enrollment rules, regional concessions, and rollout timing may differ by market or be updated in response to regulatory pressure; confirm the exact behavior and local options on your device.

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Privacy and policy trade‑offs — what you’re actually signing up for​

The free consumer ESU path is convenient, but it’s anchored to an MSA and the use of cloud backup/sync as a verification mechanism. That raises practical and privacy questions:

• Tying entitlements to a Microsoft account increases vendor coupling and changes the account surface area used for device entitlement management.
• The free route’s reliance on settings sync/OneDrive may require enabling cloud features some users prefer to avoid. That can be reconciled by choosing the paid ESU license instead, but the paid option still links to an MSA.
• Some regions saw regulatory pushback that led to localized concessions around enrollment mechanics. If you live in the European Economic Area (EEA), reported regional adjustments may change the enrollment UX; verify your local Settings for differences.

For privacy‑conscious users, the options are: accept the account/sync requirement for the free year, pay for a license, or move to a non‑Microsoft OS or a new Windows 11 machine that avoids the ties you dislike.

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Notable technical warnings to watch​

• Install the August 2025 servicing updates (and subsequent fixes) — several updates released around mid‑2025 resolved issues that prevented the ESU enrollment wizard from appearing. Installing those updates helps the enrollment UI behave correctly.
• Secure Boot certificates and related platform items require attention: some firmware or certificate expirations are tracked in recent servicing notes; older devices should be checked for firmware updates to avoid boot or compatibility problems later in 2026.
• If your device is heavily customized, domain‑joined, or managed by an organization’s MDM, consumer ESU is probably not the right channel. Speak with your IT team about enterprise ESU or a managed upgrade path.

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Decision framework — when to enroll, when to move​

• If your PC is Windows 10 22H2, you rely on it for important work, and you cannot replace or upgrade immediately: Enroll in consumer ESU (choose the free route if acceptable). Use the year to migrate.
• If your PC is eligible for Windows 11 and you can upgrade with little friction: Plan and perform the upgrade now — upgrading is the clean long‑term solution.
• If privacy or policy forbids MSAs and the paid ESU license is unacceptable: Migrate off Windows 10 (to Windows 11 via new hardware, to Linux/ChromeOS Flex, or to cloud‑hosted Windows) as soon as possible.
• If you’re running regulated workloads (healthcare, finance, government): treat support end as a compliance risk and prioritize migration to supported Windows 11 systems or enterprise ESU immediately.

Use a pragmatic project plan: inventory systems, test critical apps on Windows 11 in a VM, schedule upgrades or replacements, and treat the ESU year as a fixed deadline to complete migration.

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Strengths and strengths‑with‑caveats​

• Strength: ESU reduces immediate exposure for millions of users who cannot upgrade right away. It is practical and often low‑cost.
• Strength: Multiple enrollment routes (free, Rewards, paid) give flexibility to households with different budgets and preferences.
• Caveat: ESU is a one‑year bridge. Relying on it beyond that window is not possible for consumers.
• Caveat: The free route’s MSA and sync requirement create privacy and vendor‑lock‑in trade‑offs some users will reject.
• Strength: Microsoft’s rollout fixed early UI/availability bugs in mid‑2025; installing those updates smooths enrollment.
• Caveat: ESU does not fix driver, firmware, or application compatibility issues; those remain migration blockers for some devices.

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Practical timeline and recommended milestones​

• Immediate (within days): confirm Windows 10 22H2, install missing updates, back up, and sign into an MSA if you’ll use the free route. Attempt to enroll.
• Short term (weeks): test mission‑critical apps on Windows 11 VMs or trial installs; verify peripherals and drivers.
• Medium term (2–6 months): roll out upgrades or acquisitions for machines that must remain on supported platforms; centralize legacy workloads and prepare for ESU expiration.
• Before October 13, 2026: complete migration away from Windows 10 for any workloads or devices that must remain supported.

Treat the calendar as hard: ESU is a predictable bridge only up to its published end date.

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What to watch for — monitoring and common gotchas​

• Enrollment wizard visibility can be phased by Microsoft. If you don’t see it immediately, confirm updates and check periodically.
• If you use the free route and later decide to stop sync or remove the MSA, confirm whether your ESU entitlement persists for the remainder of the year — administrative changes can affect entitlements; document recovery keys and account credentials.
• Some consumer reports show regional differences in how enrollment is administered; check local Settings and account notices before assuming identical behavior across countries.
• Keep an eye on firmware updates from PC makers to avoid unexpected boot or Secure Boot certificate issues in 2026.

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Final analysis — is staying on Windows 10 worth it?​

For many users, the consumer ESU is an eminently reasonable short‑term choice: it buys time to migrate without immediately exposing PCs to new, unpatched vulnerabilities. The free enrollment route lowers the friction dramatically and is especially useful when a household has multiple older but still functional machines.
However, ESU cannot — and was never intended to — replace a full migration. The program’s constraints (security‑only patches, account and sync requirements, one‑year limit) mean ESU should be used as a deliberate runway to a long‑term plan: upgrade eligible machines to Windows 11, acquire Windows 11‑capable hardware where necessary, or move workflows to supported alternative platforms.
The strongest course of action for the majority of users is straightforward: verify your build, back up your data, enroll in ESU if you need immediate protection, and use the year to complete a tested migration to supported systems. For organizations with compliance or regulatory exposure, accelerate migration and avoid relying on consumer ESU as a long‑term compliance strategy.

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Quick reference — short checklist​

• Confirm Windows 10, version 22H2.
• Install all pending cumulative and servicing updates now.
• Back up system image and export BitLocker keys.
• Choose an ESU enrollment route:
• Free: sign in with MSA + enable Windows Backup/sync.
• Rewards: redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
• Paid: buy the one‑time ESU license (approx. $30 USD — confirm local price).
• Verify enrollment in Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
• Use the ESU year to migrate to Windows 11 or an alternative long‑term platform.

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Windows 10’s decade of service has ended as scheduled; the consumer ESU program offers a prudent, limited backstop for those who need it. Act quickly and deliberately: lock down backups, verify updates, and pick a migration path now so the ESU year gives you breathing room, not a reason to delay indefinitely.

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Source: PCMag Still on Windows 10? Here's How to Extend Your Support Through 2026
Source: bahiaverdade.com.br Windows 10 Support Ends Today: Here Are 7 Great Upgrade Options - Bahia Verdade

 

[ChatGPT]

If your PC still runs Windows 10, the clock has ticked past Microsoft’s official cut‑off — but there is a narrow, well‑documented lifeline that can buy many users one extra year of security updates without handing over cash today.

Background / Overview​

Microsoft set a firm lifecycle cutoff for Windows 10: October 14, 2025 is the official end‑of‑support date for consumer editions. After that date Microsoft stopped providing routine feature updates, general technical support, and the regular monthly security updates most users rely on to stay protected. Microsoft’s lifecycle notice makes this clear and spells out recommended options: upgrade to Windows 11, replace the device, or enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU).
To soften the immediate risk for households and other consumers who can’t or won’t migrate right away, Microsoft published a consumer‑facing Extended Security Updates (ESU) program that delivers security‑only updates for a single additional year — coverage for enrolled consumer devices runs through October 13, 2026. That ESU year is intentionally limited: it provides only security fixes classified as Critical or Important, not feature updates, performance improvements, or normal technical support. Many independent reports and in‑product documentation describe the program and its limits in the same terms.
What makes headlines today is the consumer ESU enrollment design: Microsoft built an in‑Windows enrollment flow and three enrollment options, two of which do not require an out‑of‑pocket payment — enabling a free extra year for many users who meet the prerequisites. That reality is accurate, but important caveats and trade‑offs accompany it.

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Who qualifies — the eligibility checklist​

Before trying to enroll, confirm these technical and account prerequisites. The ESU enrollment flow will only appear on eligible machines.

• The PC must be running Windows 10, version 22H2 (consumer SKUs: Home, Pro, Pro Education, Pro for Workstations). Machines on older Windows 10 feature updates must first upgrade to 22H2.
• The device must have recent cumulative and servicing‑stack updates installed (Microsoft shipped preparatory updates in mid‑2025 to enable the enrollment wizard). In some early reports a specific preparatory patch (an August 2025 cumulative) addressed enrollment bugs; ensure Windows Update is fully current.
• You must sign into the PC with a Microsoft Account (MSA) to use the free cloud‑backed route. Local/offline Windows accounts are not eligible for the free enrollment path — Microsoft requires an MSA to map the ESU entitlement.
• The enrollment experience is rolled out in stages; if your machine meets requirements but you don’t yet see an offer, check for updates, reboot, and revisit Windows Update. The wizard first appeared in Insider builds before broad rollout.

These prerequisites matter: the enrollment UI will not appear unless the OS version and updates match Microsoft’s eligibility rules. That’s why some users saw the “free extra year” story and immediately encountered missing prompts.

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How the consumer ESU program works — three ways to claim the same coverage​

Microsoft designed three equivalent consumer enrollment options that assign the same ESU entitlement to your Microsoft Account. Choose the one that best fits your privacy and cost preferences.

• Free (cloud‑backed) route: Sign in with a Microsoft Account and enable Windows Backup / “Sync your settings” (which uses OneDrive to store certain settings and recovery data). Microsoft maps an ESU entitlement to that account at no additional cash cost. This is the route most headlines call “get an extra year for free.”
• Microsoft Rewards route: Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points and apply them to enroll the Microsoft Account. If you have Rewards points already, this can avoid any cash payment. Some users initially reported redeem‑workflow hiccups that Microsoft and partners patched during rollout; if redemption fails, install updates and retry.
• Paid route: A one‑time purchase (reported roughly $30 USD, local equivalents apply) assigns an ESU license to the Microsoft Account. The paid license is convenient for users who prefer not to enable cloud sync or redeem Rewards. Microsoft’s consumer guidance indicates the paid or free routes produce identical update deliveries through Windows Update.

A single Microsoft Account can cover multiple devices when a consumer license is used; Microsoft’s documentation notes reuse/reassignment rules and limits (practical guidance reports that a purchased consumer ESU can often be applied to up to 10 eligible devices under the same MSA).

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Step‑by‑step: how to check eligibility and enroll (concise)​

• Open Settings (Win + I).
• Go to System → About and confirm Windows 10 Version 22H2. If you’re not on 22H2, install feature updates first.
• Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update and Install all pending updates (reboot as required). Make sure servicing‑stack updates and the latest cumulative updates are present.
• In Windows Update, look for an “Enroll now” link or an Extended Security Updates (ESU) banner. If present, click it and follow the wizard. Choose from the three options: Windows Backup sync (free), redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards (free if you have points), or pay the one‑time fee.
• After enrollment, confirm Windows Update shows ESU enrollment and that security updates begin to flow after the next cumulative update cycle. Test by checking Update History and verifying security update packages install successfully.

If you don’t see the offer: verify version, apply outstanding updates, sign in with a Microsoft Account, and reboot. If the option still doesn’t appear, Microsoft’s staged rollout may not have reached your device or there may be local policy/region differences.

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Regional and privacy caveats — what you’re trading for “free”​

The free cloud‑backed ESU option ties a short set of device data and a settings backup to your Microsoft Account and OneDrive. For many users that’s acceptable; for privacy‑conscious people it represents a meaningful change:

• The free route requires an MSA and Windows Backup/Sync to OneDrive. This maps entitlement to the account, and Microsoft emphasizes the backup is limited to settings and certain recovery data, not full user files unless you opt in.
• Consumer groups and regulators scrutinized the mechanism; Microsoft made regional adjustments. Reports indicate the European Economic Area (EEA) received concessions reducing some cloud requirements, but rules may vary by jurisdiction. If you live in the EEA check Microsoft’s local guidance for any EEA‑specific enrollment mechanics.
• The requirement to use an MSA (even if you pay) forces a long‑term account relationship: ESU entitlements become tied to that Microsoft Account, which matters if you use local accounts for privacy or offline setups.

If you prefer not to link devices to a Microsoft Account, the paid route is available — but even that purchase will require signing into the MSA to associate the license. The free option is an account‑centric trade: convenience and money saved in exchange for account linkage and limited cloud sync.

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What ESU delivers — and what it does not​

Use ESU as a short planning window, not a permanent fix.

• ESU provides security‑only updates classified as Critical or Important; it does not include feature updates, new capabilities, or non‑security quality fixes. Treat it as risk mitigation only.
• ESU does not restore full Microsoft technical support for Windows 10; standard support ends on the lifecycle date even for enrolled devices. The program is a vendor‑delivered patch stream, not a service contract.
• Microsoft 365 Apps (consumer) has its own lifecycle. Microsoft committed to continue security updates for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 for a period after the OS EOL — but those timelines differ (Microsoft documented continued updates for Microsoft 365 Apps through October 10, 2028). If you rely on Office apps, check their specific guidance rather than assuming ESU covers app support.

In short: ESU buys you time to migrate but does not leave you on an equivalent long‑term support footing.

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Practical risks and operational recommendations​

Security is about layers. ESU makes one critical patching layer available for another year, but it does not eliminate other operational risks.

• Patch coverage is narrower. Because ESU includes only Critical and Important updates, some medium‑severity issues and nonsecurity bug fixes will not be supplied. That may impact application compatibility or device stability in edge cases.
• Third‑party software and drivers may stop supporting Windows 10. Some vendors will continue to support apps on 22H2, others will not; test mission‑critical applications on Windows 10 during the ESU year instead of assuming uninterrupted compatibility.
• Relying on ESU defers, but does not avoid, migration costs and e‑waste considerations. Use the ESU year to plan a systematic migration: upgrade eligible machines to Windows 11, replace unsupported hardware, or move workloads to cloud‑hosted environments (Windows 365 / Cloud PCs) where Windows 10 access may carry different support terms.
• Confirm enrollment actually applied. Several users reported transient enrollment bugs or Rewards redemption glitches during the rollout; Microsoft shipped fixes and updated the enrollment wizard, but verify in Windows Update that the ESU entitlement is active and that security updates are installing. If updates are not applying, investigate update history and error codes rather than assuming coverage.
• For small businesses and domain‑joined devices, the consumer ESU path is not appropriate. Organizations should pursue Microsoft’s commercial ESU channels (paid, volume licensing) or plan for full migration to supported platforms and enterprise management tools.

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Strengths of Microsoft’s approach — why it makes sense​

• It reduces immediate population‑level risk. Allowing a one‑year window with vendor‑issued security patches materially lowers the number of unpatched targets attackers can exploit immediately after EOL. That’s a defensible public‑interest move.
• It’s flexible and largely accessible. Multiple enrollment options (free sync, Rewards, paid) provide low‑friction alternatives for households with different privacy and cost preferences. The in‑OS enrollment wizard simplifies the consumer experience.
• Microsoft’s staged rollout and bug fixes improved reliability. Early hiccups in the redemption flow and enrollment wizard were addressed quickly, which reduced confusion and made the program broadly usable before the end‑of‑support date.

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The downsides and where caution is warranted​

• Account and cloud trade‑offs are real. Many users have legitimate reasons to avoid Microsoft Accounts or cloud backup. The free option makes those choices harder by tying free updates to account sign‑in. Users should weigh this against the security benefit.
• The program is short and limited. One year is an operationally tight window for many households and small organizations to evaluate hardware, budget for replacements, and execute migrations. ESU is a bridge, not a solution.
• Potential for confusion during rollout. Early messaging and “free instantly” headlines compressed important prerequisites into marketing‑friendly lines, producing frustrated users who couldn’t see the enrollment prompt. The necessary reality is that eligibility checks, updates, and phased rollout timing matter.

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Practical migration plans you can execute during the ESU year​

Treat the ESU year as a focused migration sprint:

• Inventory and prioritize: list devices by importance (work, education, critical apps) and note which can run Windows 11 and which can’t.
• Upgrade eligible machines to Windows 11 where feasible; perform application compatibility testing first. Use tools like Windows Update Health and the PC Health Check app to screen for TPM, CPU, and other requirements.
• For incompatible hardware, plan replacements or move the workload to a cloud PC (Windows 365) or Linux where appropriate. Consider refurbished hardware from trusted vendors if budget is constrained.
• Back up important data and configuration now (full file backups plus system images) — do not rely exclusively on the minimal Windows Backup/Sync used for ESU enrollment.
• Confirm ESU enrollment and patch application on any devices you intend to keep on Windows 10 through October 2026. Monitor Update History and set automatic update policies in Settings.

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Final assessment — what ordinary users should do next​

Windows 10’s end of support is a real milestone with practical security consequences. Microsoft’s consumer ESU program provides a legitimate one‑year safety valve that many consumers can claim without paying cash, but it comes with account and cloud trade‑offs and is time‑boxed. The right response is pragmatic:

• If your device is eligible for Windows 11 and you accept the transition, upgrade — that’s the long‑term path with ongoing feature and security updates.
• If you can’t upgrade immediately, enroll in ESU using the option that fits your privacy comfort (paid, Rewards, or free sync) and use the ESU year to migrate deliberately, not to delay indefinitely.
• If you prefer not to tie devices to a Microsoft Account and you won’t pay, plan for replacement sooner rather than later — unsupported OSes are an attractive target for attackers.

This one‑year window is a valuable, intentional pause button. Use it to patch, plan, and move to a supported platform — because security isn’t just about ticking an enrollment box; it’s about the systems, backups, and practices that make a PC safe to use over time.

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Source: WhoWhatWhy Windows 10 Support Has Ended, But Here’s How to Get an Extra Year for Free - WhoWhatWhy