How to get another year of free Windows 10 updates

Windows 10 has just three months left until support ends. In October 2025, the operating system will receive its final update, ending its 10-year lifecycle. However, Microsoft is allowing users to extend their Windows 10 life a little bit with the Extended Security Update (ESU) program, which provides:

1. 1 year of security patches for individual users.
2. 3 years for business.

Ending support doesn't mean your PC will stop working, but not getting patches does mean you're at risk of security issues. If you can't move to Windows 11 yet, you can sign up for ESU for free. Here's how.

Note : As of July 16, the ESU enrollment tool is only available on Windows 10 Preview (Release Preview channel), but will be rolled out to all users in late July or August.

3 Ways to Get the ESU Update

1. Free: Sign in with Microsoft account + backup settings.
2. Pay with 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
3. Pay $30 (prices may vary by region).

In this guide, we'll focus on the first option, describing how to get Windows 10 security updates for free.

1. Go to Settings > Update and Security > Windows Update

2. Download and install all available updates

3. Go back to the Settings app and look for the " Windows 10 support ends in October 2025 " banner

4. Click " Enroll Now "

   

5. Windows 10 will open the ESU wizard. Click Next

   

6. If you're using a local account, Windows will ask you to sign in with a Microsoft Account.

7. Once you sign in, you'll see three options available: back up your settings and get the update for free, pay with 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or pay $30. Choose the first option.

   

Additionally, before registering, you can:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Windows Backup and turn on " Remember my preferences" and all the sub-switches

   

2. Or open the Windows Backup app from the Start Menu, click " Back up this PC " and wait for Windows 10 to save your data to the cloud.

   

8. If you have backed up your settings, Windows will notify you that you are eligible for free updates. If not, it will prompt you to back up.

9. Click "Enroll" and wait for the wizard to complete the registration.

Done! Your system is enrolled in the Extended Security Update Program, which gives you one year of security updates through October 13, 2026. After that, you're on your own.

If you're on Windows 10, what are your plans? Will you sign up for the ESU program or move to Windows 11?

Share your plans in the comments!

Warning : Continuing to use unpatched Windows 10 leaves your computer vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and security vulnerabilities. Consider upgrading soon!

Kareem Winters

Update 31 July 2025