Microsoft is officially ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, marking the start of its “end of life” phase. After this date, Windows 10 computers will continue to work, but they will no longer receive security updates by default, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats.
To stay protected, users now have three main options: upgrade to Windows 11, buy a new PC with the latest operating system, or enroll in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to extend support for another year. The good news is that many users can now enroll for free.
Without regular updates, Windows 10 systems will become increasingly susceptible to malware and security exploits. Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program provides a temporary solution by continuing to deliver vital patches through 2026, giving users an extra year to prepare for an upgrade.
How to Enroll for Microsoft ESU
1. Check for the latest updates
Go to Settings > System > About to confirm your version of Windows 10. If your system is outdated, install all available updates before proceeding.
2. Confirm you’re using an administrator account
Only administrator accounts can enroll in ESU. To check, go to Settings > Your Info and look for the “Administrator” label under your username.
3. See if you can upgrade to Windows 11
If your device meets the system requirements, upgrading to Windows 11 is still free and provides the best long-term protection. If you prefer Windows 10, proceed to the next step.
4. Enroll in ESU
Go to Settings > Update & Security and select “Enroll Now” under the Extended Security Updates section. If you don’t see this option, make sure your Windows 10 is fully updated.
5. Choose how to enroll and back up your data
Before signing up, Microsoft will ask you to back up your PC settings and files. The free backup includes up to 5 GB of storage on OneDrive. You can reduce your backup size by turning off unnecessary folders under Settings > OneDrive.
Once you’re ready, click “Add this device to receive Extended Security Updates”, then select Add Device, and finally Done.
Note that the free ESU plan links your Windows login to Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem. Users who prefer local accounts will need to opt in to use cloud-based services like OneDrive, Office 365, or Game Pass.