Enjoy an Extra Year of Security: Microsoft Offers Grace Period for Windows 10 Users
Extended leniency offered for Windows 10 computers before updates are mandatory
In October, Microsoft will be discontinuing support for Windows 10. While this won't affect the functionality of your devices, they'll no longer receive security updates or technical assistance. However, Microsoft has roll out a solution for individual users, allowing them to secure another year of security updates for their Windows 10 computers.
This solution comes in the form of the "Extended Security Updates (ESU)" program, initially meant for businesses but now extended to private users. To access this program, an update will introduce a registration assistant on your PCs. Microsoft planned to release it through notifications and settings, and it should be widely available by mid-August. Users of the Windows Insider Program can already access the assistant.
Multiple Ways to Enroll
To avail the update extension, you have three options:
- Pay $30 or
- Cash in 1000 Microsoft Rewards points (earned by using Bing search) or
- Allow Windows cloud backup to automatically trigger registration (this method could potentially be free, as hardly any storage space in OneDrive cloud is required for system settings syncing, which is within the free 5GB limit)
However, if your backup includes personal data and files, as is the case when switching to Windows 11, the free storage might not suffice. In such a case, the cheapest OneDrive subscription with 100GB costs €2 per month or €20 per year.
Note: enrollment and coverage period, device requirements, and other details about the ESU program can be found in the detailed section below.[Source: ntv.de, kwe]
Microsoft | Windows 10 | PC
Behind the Scenes:
Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for private Windows 10 users allows individuals to receive critical and important security updates for an additional year beyond the Windows 10 end of support date in October 2025. Here's the inside scoop for private users:
Enrollment and Coverage Period
- The cutoff for Windows 10 support is on October 14, 2025.
- The ESU coverage for personal devices runs from October 15, 2025, through October 13, 2026.
- An enrollment wizard will be available through notifications and Windows Settings to simplify the enrollment process for personal Windows 10 PCs.
- The enrollment wizard commenced rolling out to Windows Insiders in June 2025, with broader availability to all Windows 10 users anticipated by mid-August 2025[1][2].
Enrollment Options for Individuals
- Free options:
- Use Microsoft Rewards points (1000 points) to enroll at no cost.
- Sync your settings to the cloud using Windows Backup, also at no cost.
- Paid option:
- Pay $30 USD (local pricing may vary) for enrollment.
- Once an option is chosen and the steps are completed, the PC will automatically be enrolled in ESU[1][2].
Device Requirements
- Eligible devices must be running Windows 10 version 22H2 to install updates from the ESU program.
- The ESU program delivers monthly security updates classified as critical and important by Microsoft Security Response Center[3].
The Commission, assisted by the European Parliament, might take an interest in Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for private Windows 10 users, as it allows individuals to continue receiving critical and important security updates for another year. This program could also spark curiosity among tech enthusiasts, who may be eager to use their gadgets, like laptops and desktops, with extended security beyond the Windows 10 end of support date in October 2025.
