Millions of Windows 10 users are facing a pivotal crossroads: after October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end support for the operating system, ceasing all security updates, feature improvements, and technical assistance. For home and business users alike, this transition could mean the difference between secure productivity and growing vulnerability. Yet, in an unprecedented move, Microsoft has unveiled the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for consumers, offering several creative — and even free — ways to stay protected for another year, buying time before a definitive move to Windows 11 or alternative platforms is necessary.
Since its debut in 2015, Windows 10 has become the backbone of both personal and enterprise computing. As of mid-2025, it still powers over half of all Windows PCs worldwide, a testament to its stability and broad hardware compatibility. However, Microsoft’s lifecycle policy dictates that every version of Windows receives regular updates only for a specified period. For Windows 10, that support window closes on October 14, 2025.
What does end of support mean?
For organizations and individuals running mission-critical workloads or storing sensitive information, continuing without updates is not a viable choice. Yet many PCs actively running Windows 10 will not meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements, which include:
There are three main ways to secure ESU coverage:
Additionally, enrollment always requires a Microsoft account. Local-only accounts must temporarily sign in during enrollment, but users may revert to local authentication afterward if desired.
While ESU and cloud-centric solutions like Windows 365 alleviate some pressure, Microsoft’s stance remains firm: TPM and other modern security features are essential for defending against today’s sophisticated attacks, and the company sees Windows 11 as a necessary step forward.
Transition investments—whether time spent learning Linux, savings set aside for new hardware, or migration to Windows 11—will pay dividends. By proactively embracing these next steps, users ensure they remain protected, productive, and ready for the evolving landscape of digital security.
Source: Hindustan Times Windows 10 support ends on October 14, but you can keep getting security fixes using this trick
Background: Windows 10’s End of Support
Since its debut in 2015, Windows 10 has become the backbone of both personal and enterprise computing. As of mid-2025, it still powers over half of all Windows PCs worldwide, a testament to its stability and broad hardware compatibility. However, Microsoft’s lifecycle policy dictates that every version of Windows receives regular updates only for a specified period. For Windows 10, that support window closes on October 14, 2025.What does end of support mean?
- No more free security patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities
- No technical troubleshooting or bug fixes
- No feature updates or UI improvements
The Urgency for Action
The cessation of support isn’t just a routine corporate milestone—it’s a significant security inflection point. Cybercriminals often lie in wait for end-of-support deadlines; attacks on outdated systems have historically surged after support cutoffs. Given Windows 10’s vast install base, the potential impact on consumers and small businesses could be enormous, with data breaches, ransomware, and privacy erosion at stake.For organizations and individuals running mission-critical workloads or storing sensitive information, continuing without updates is not a viable choice. Yet many PCs actively running Windows 10 will not meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements, which include:
- TPM 2.0 chip
- Secure Boot capability
- A compatible 64-bit processor
- At least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage
Microsoft’s Response: Consumer ESU Program
Recognizing these realities and responding to mounting public pressure around potential e-waste and forced obsolescence, Microsoft is making the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program available to all Windows 10 users for the first time, not just enterprises.What Does the ESU Program Offer?
- Critical and Important Security Updates Only: ESU delivers vital patches for the most dangerous security vulnerabilities, the same sort of updates businesses and governments receive for legacy systems.
- No New Features or Non-Security Updates: The experience is about defense, not innovation. No new functionality, interface redesigns, or routine bug fixes are included.
- No Technical Support: Microsoft’s support staff will not troubleshoot problems with ESU-enrolled systems. The expectation is that users will use this time to transition away from Windows 10.
How to Enroll: Multiple Pathways — Even Free Ones
For consumers, ESU enrollment is surprisingly accessible. Microsoft has created an enrollment wizard integrated directly into the Windows Update settings menu, and eligible users will see “Enroll Now” prompts as the end-of-support date nears.There are three main ways to secure ESU coverage:
1. Windows Backup/OneDrive Sync—Get ESU Free
- By enabling the Windows Backup app and syncing your PC’s settings and (optionally) select folders to the cloud using a Microsoft account, you qualify for free ESU enrollment.
- Microsoft provides 5GB of complimentary OneDrive storage per account. If your backup needs exceed that capacity, you may need to purchase extra storage plans.
- The process is straightforward: navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, sign in to your Microsoft account, and follow the prompts to enable backup and enroll in ESU at no charge.
- Free ESU is only available to those willing to use a Microsoft account and cloud backups.
- Privacy-minded users and those with significant data volumes may balk at sharing so much with Microsoft’s cloud.
2. Redeem Microsoft Rewards Points
- Users can convert 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points into a year of ESU coverage.
- Points can be earned through everyday activities like using Bing search, shopping at the Microsoft Store, or playing Xbox games.
- This path is particularly attractive to frequent users of Microsoft’s ecosystem.
3. Purchase ESU Directly
- For those who prefer privacy or wish to avoid tracking points, a one-time payment of $30 USD per device grants a year of continued protection.
- Payment is made via the Microsoft Store, seamlessly tied to your Microsoft account.
- Enrollment, like the other options, is completed via Windows Update settings.
Device and Account Requirements
Enrollment is only open to devices running Windows 10 version 22H2 (the final, fully supported build) across Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Workstation SKUs. The device must not be managed by Active Directory, Microsoft Entra (formerly Azure AD), or an MDM solution—requirements mainly affecting business and institutional deployments.Additionally, enrollment always requires a Microsoft account. Local-only accounts must temporarily sign in during enrollment, but users may revert to local authentication afterward if desired.
What ESU Does Not Cover
It is crucial to understand ESU’s limitations:- No Feature or Compatibility Updates: Applications, particularly cutting-edge titles, may begin to drift away from Windows 10 as their developers cease testing for it.
- No Non-Security Bug Fixes: Irritating but non-dangerous glitches may persist, with no prospect of a remedy.
- No Ongoing Technical Support: Troubleshooting will increasingly fall to the user or community forums.
- No Support for Outdated Builds: Only the final Windows 10 22H2 build qualifies; running an older feature update or a custom image may disqualify your device.
Rules and Timelines: How Long Does ESU Last?
The consumer ESU program provides one year of coverage, ending October 13, 2026. Microsoft indicates that this is not intended as a recurring, perpetual support scheme. While ESU for organizations may continue (with escalating costs each year), consumers currently have just this one-year reprieve. Whether Microsoft will extend further years remains an open question, but users should plan as if 2026 is the absolute deadline.Commercial and Educational Organizations: A Distinct Path
For businesses and institutions, ESU continues the familiar enterprise model:- Year 1: $61 per device
- Year 2: $122 per device
- Year 3: $244 per device
Alternatives for Staying Secure
While ESU is the simplest solution to extend the life of a Windows 10 PC, it is not the only option:Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) Editions
LTSC versions of Windows 10 receive security updates through January 2032, but licensing is generally only available to organizations and not suited to broad consumer use (e.g., for point-of-sale terminals, medical devices).Third-Party Security Patch Services
Some independent vendors, such as 0Patch, offer “micro-patching” for security flaws on unsupported operating systems. Quality and breadth vary, and broad adoption carries its own risks.Switch to Linux or ChromeOS Flex
For users unwilling or unable to upgrade Windows or hardware, various Linux distributions offer continued updates, strong security, and generally lower system requirements—without license fees. Transitioning away from Windows brings a learning curve and software compatibility challenges but is increasingly viable for web-centric users.The Hardware Conundrum and Environmental Debate
One of the strongest criticisms of Microsoft’s support policy is its environmental impact. Windows 11’s substantial hardware requirements—especially TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot—exclude millions of otherwise fully functional PCs, potentially resulting in a surge of electronic waste. Advocacy groups have pressured Microsoft to relax requirements or extend Windows 10 support, warning that up to 400 million computers could be prematurely junked.While ESU and cloud-centric solutions like Windows 365 alleviate some pressure, Microsoft’s stance remains firm: TPM and other modern security features are essential for defending against today’s sophisticated attacks, and the company sees Windows 11 as a necessary step forward.
Security, Privacy, and Practical Consequences
Security Context
ESU ensures critical patches continue, but users should view this as a stopgap. New vulnerabilities will be discovered, and as Windows 10’s active install base dwindles, malware creators may specifically target known, unpatched weaknesses.Privacy Implications
The free ESU methods, particularly those contingent on cloud backup, inevitably increase Microsoft’s access to user data and behavior. Those wary of extensive telemetry or data sovereignty issues may prefer the one-time payment route.Long-Term Support for Microsoft 365 Apps
A unique wrinkle: Microsoft has pledged to update Office and M365 apps on Windows 10 for an extra three years, until October 2028. This means productivity and collaboration software will remain secure and compatible, even as the underlying OS loses support—an explicit acknowledgment of the protracted timeline many organizations need.Step-by-Step: Enrolling in the ESU Program
- Update to Windows 10 22H2 and install all available updates.
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Look for the end-of-support notice and click “Enroll Now.”
- Sign in with your Microsoft account if prompted.
- Choose your enrollment option: Windows Backup/OneDrive, Microsoft Rewards points, or direct purchase.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
- Check your enrollment status within Windows Update—confirmation will appear when your PC is protected through ESU.
Transition Planning: What Users Should Do Next
For all users, now is the critical window to chart a medium- and long-term plan:- Backup Data: Whether remaining on Windows 10 ESU, upgrading to Windows 11, or switching to Linux, keeping up-to-date backups is vital to avoid data loss.
- Check Windows 11 Compatibility: Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to determine if your current system meets Windows 11 requirements. If compatible, the upgrade is free and straightforward from the Windows Update panel.
- Survey Alternatives: Weigh the relative merits of ESU, open-source operating systems, and lightweight ChromeOS Flex for older PCs.
- Monitor Your Update Status: As the enrollment wizard rolls out (expected to reach all systems by mid-August 2025), act promptly to avoid lapses in security.
Critical Analysis: Strengths and Considerations
Strengths- Flexibility: The ESU program’s tiered options—especially free enrollment—lower barriers for those most at risk of being left behind.
- Transparency: Clear communication about timelines, requirements, and costs ensures users can make informed choices.
- Responsiveness to Public Pressure: By extending ESU access to all consumers and not just enterprises, Microsoft demonstrates awareness of both economic and environmental realities.
- Short-Term Solution: With only a year guaranteed for consumers, users must continually reassess their safety and device plans.
- Potential for Data Lock-In: The push toward cloud backup and Microsoft accounts increases exposure to Microsoft’s ecosystem and, potentially, future pricing changes.
- E-Waste Concerns: The inability to relax Windows 11 hardware rules remains controversial, especially for users with otherwise functioning systems unable to upgrade.
- No Technical Support: Users dependent on assistance may struggle as issues arise outside the scope of critical security fixes.
Conclusion: A Bridge — Not a Destination
The Windows 10 ESU program is not a long-term haven—it is a lifeline. For one extra year, Microsoft offers an affordable and, in some cases, free path to continued security, buying users time to budget, plan, and adapt. However, this reprieve should not be mistaken for a signal to linger indefinitely. Users and organizations must treat this granted time as precious: a final countdown to secure, modern, and supported computing, whether within the Windows ecosystem or beyond.Transition investments—whether time spent learning Linux, savings set aside for new hardware, or migration to Windows 11—will pay dividends. By proactively embracing these next steps, users ensure they remain protected, productive, and ready for the evolving landscape of digital security.
Source: Hindustan Times Windows 10 support ends on October 14, but you can keep getting security fixes using this trick
