Microsoft makes Windows 10 ESU free for some users, but there is a catch

The Windows 10 operating system reaches its end of life in a few months. Microsoft won't release any updates for the decade-old operating system anymore after October 2025, unless home and business customers join ESU.

ESU, Extended Security Updates, extend end of support by a year for consumers and by up to three years for businesses. It is the first time that consumers get an option to extend support for their systems.

When Microsoft announced ESU, it confirmed that consumers would have to pay $30 to receive the extra year of updates.

Microsoft adds free options

Microsoft Executive Vice President Yusuf Mehdi announced two additional options to join the Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10 this week.

Microsoft gives individuals more options to join ESU on their Windows 10 devices. Besides the already confirmed $30 payment, users may also join by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, or by using Windows Backup to sync settings to the cloud.

Here is the summary:

• Pay $30 in local currency.
• Use Windows Backup to sync your settings to the cloud.
• Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.

Tip: you can check your Microsoft Rewards points by opening the Rewards website on Bing. You can earn rewards by searching on Bing, making purchases, or completing quests, provided that you are signed in to a Microsoft account (the same is likely required).

PCs will be enrolled automatically once an option has been selected and the on-screen steps have been followed. Microsoft guarantees updates until October 13, 2026 for enrolled devices.

Time schedule for the enrollment:

• Today: Windows Insiders may enroll to Windows 10 ESU.
• July: The option rolls out to Windows 10 customers.
• August: Broad availability of the option.

Commercial organizations may pay $61 per device to receive critical and important security updates. They may renew annually for up to three years, but costs will be increasing each year.

Cloud and virtual environments are enrolled automatically at no additional costs according to Microsoft.

Individuals or organizations who require support for a longer period may check out the service of the third-party 0Patch, which promises updates until at least 2030 for Windows 10.

Microsoft 365 Apps and Microsoft Defender

Microsoft confirmed that Microsoft 365 apps  will be getting security updates until October 10, 2028. Feature updates will stop in August 2026 though.

Microsoft Defender will be updated until October 2028 as well to keep devices protected.

Closing Words

Windows 10 users have three official options now to join ESU and receive an extra year of updates. The new options require a Microsoft account though as well.

Now You: do you run Windows 10 on some of your devices? Do you plan to join ESU? Feel free to leave a comment down below.

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