Windows 10 extended security updates free until 2026 – But only if you do this

• Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) will be free for most users after support ends on October 14, 2025, but it’ll depend on the option you choose.
• You can get ESUs for free by syncing files with OneDrive using the Windows Backup app, subscribing to Microsoft 365, or redeeming 1000 Microsoft Rewards points.
• Otherwise, the ESU will cost $30 for one additional year of updates ending October 13, 2026.

Microsoft has announced that it’s making the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program free for Windows 10 devices, as support ends in 2025. However, there’s a catch (as nothing is truly ever free).

In the original plan, the company revealed that for the first time, it’d offer extra security updates for consumers after the operating system reaches its end of support on October 14, 2025, but for an extra $30 USD. However, Microsoft now says that the extended update program will be free if you use its cloud services or have rewards points.

How to enroll your Windows 10 PC in the ESU program?

Once the program is ready for your computer, you will notice a notification through the “Windows Update” settings, and you will have to choose the best option for you.

Windows Backup option

For example, if you choose to sync your settings and files to OneDrive using the “Windows Backup” app, then the ESU program will be free.

If you are already a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscriber, this is perhaps the best option since you’re also probably already backing up your data to the cloud.

On the other hand, if you don’t have a subscription, you will quickly realize that 5GB of free space may not be enough, and here is where the program pays off for Microsoft, as the company hopes that making the extended support free, it may help to bring more Microsoft 365 customers.

If you want to use this option, you can simply choose a folder that doesn’t contain many files while preventing the sync client from uploading your documents and pictures.

Microsoft Rewards option

If you’re enrolled in the Microsoft Rewards program and you have 1000 points, you can redeem them to enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for free.

The rewards program is also an option, and it may be better than the Windows Backup option if you don’t have a subscription. You only need to sign in with your Microsoft account to the Microsoft Rewards program and then complete some of the quests (they are usually specific requests to search in Bing) until you reach 1000 points.

At the time of this writing, for downloading the mobile app alone, you get 500 points.

Paid program option

Finally, if you don’t want to upload your files and settings to the cloud and are not part of the Microsoft Rewards program, then you’ll have to pay the $30 USD (or the equivalent in your region).

Of course, if your computer meets the minimum requirements, the best approach is to upgrade to Windows 11.

After the enrollment, your computer will receive security updates and will continue to be supported from October 15, 2025, through October 13, 2026.

When will you be able to enroll in the ESU program?

On June 24, 2025, Microsoft will open the Extended Security Updates enrollment for Windows 10 through the Windows Insider Program.

In July 2025, the company will begin expanding the enrollment to consumers outside of the Windows Insider Program.

Finally, in mid-August, everyone will have the option to enroll for free in the Extended Security Updates program.

What does the Windows 10 ESU program include?

The Extended Security Updates program offers critical and important security updates for Windows 10 during the transition period. This offering doesn’t provide new features, design changes, or other types of updates.

Also, this isn’t meant to be a solution to keep using the operating system. It’s meant to help you plan and transition to a new system as soon as possible.

Finally, this program doesn’t offer any technical support from the company.

How long will your computer receive updates?

The extended update program is only available for one extra year.

After you enroll your computer in the ESU program, Windows 10 will continue to be supported, and it’ll receive security updates for one year only, from October 15, 2025, through October 13, 2026.

Should you use this extended update program for Windows 10?

The short answer is no. You shouldn’t use this program. Instead, you should upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 before support ends.

If your computer meets the minimum requirements, you can upgrade directly from the “Windows Update” settings.

In the case that you have had the same installation for a long time, it’s possible to upgrade by doing a clean installation of Windows 11.

Alternatively, you can also install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, or you can switch operating systems, such as Linux Mint or ChromeOS Flex, even though these options may not be for everyone.

Always remember to create a full backup of your current setup before proceeding with any of the upgrade paths.

Are you planning to enroll your computer in the extended update program? Let me know in the comments.