October 14, 2025 will be the last day Microsoft will offer support for Windows 10. Due to customers demanding more time to move from Windows 10 to Windows 11, Microsoft decided to extend Windows 10 security updates to October 13, 2026- a sigh of relief for many users.
The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 offers customers security options for those who continue using their Windows 10 PCs after October 14, 2025 until they transition to Windows 11. The consumer ESU program is not available for commercial devices only personal use devices.
The ESU program keeps customers more safe than not having security updates:
The ESU program helps reduce the risk of malware and cybersecurity attacks by providing access to critical and important security updates as defined by the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) for devices running Windows 10, version 22H2. ESU enrollment does not provide other types of fixes, feature improvements, or product enhancements. It also does not come with technical support.
The following YouTube video explains how to safely use Windows 10 beyond the security updates expiration:
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The following guidelines are from Microsofts’ official security updates explanation page:
Windows 10 ESU Requirements
*Devices need to be running Windows 10, version 22H2 Home, Professional, Pro Education, or Workstations edition.
*Devices need to have the latest Windows update installed. Learn how to install Windows updates.
*The Microsoft account used to sign in to the device must be an administrator account.
The ESU license will be associated with the Microsoft account used to enroll. You may be prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account if you typically sign into Windows with a local account.
*The Microsoft account can’t be a child account.
Consumer ESU Enrollment is Not Available for Devices in the Following Scenarios
*Devices in kiosk mode.
*Devices joined to an Active Directory domain or that are Microsoft Entra joined.
However, devices that are Microsoft Entra registered can use the Consumer ESU program.
*Devices enrolled in a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution.
*Devices that already have an ESU license.
What Does the ESU Cost?
*At no additional cost, or FREE if you are syncing your PC Settings- in other words if you are currently signed into a Microsoft account on your PC.
*Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
*One-time purchase of $30 USD or local currency equivalent plus applicable tax.
How to Get ESU on Your Windows 10 Device
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. If your device meets the prerequisites, you’ll see a link to enroll in ESU.
Once you select Enroll now you’ll start the ESU enrollment. If you are signed into Windows with a local account, you will be prompted to sign into your Microsoft account. If you are already backing up your PC Settings, you will see a prompt to enroll your device.
If you aren’t backing up your Windows settings, you can choose if you want to begin backing up your settings, redeem Rewards, or make a one-time purchase to enroll in ESU.
If you are not signed into the device with a Microsoft account, you will be prompted to sign in to the Microsoft account used to enroll the first device.
