Windows 10 stops getting security updates on October 14, 2025. That worries many users. But there is a simple way to buy time: the Extended Security Updates program, or ESU.
The good news? You can get one extra year of security updates without paying in many cases. Want to know how? This guide walks you through the options step by step. No jargon. No drama. Just clear actions.
The key fact — the deadline you must know
Microsoft will end official support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft will no longer issue regular security patches to Windows 10 systems.
This does not mean your PC will stop working. It means your system will grow more exposed to security risks over time. So it helps to plan now.
Your main choices after October 14, 2025
You have a few real options. Pick what fits you best.
- Upgrade to Windows 11 if your PC meets the requirements.
- Enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for one more year of patches.
- Move to another operating system like Linux.
- Keep using Windows 10 but accept higher security risk.
If you need time to upgrade or replace a device, ESU is the easiest short-term fix.
How to get that extra year — three enrollment routes
Microsoft allows three ways to get the one-year ESU extension. You must be signed in with a Microsoft Account and have Windows 10 version 22H2 installed. The options are:
- Pay $30 per device through the Windows Update enrollment wizard.
- Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points if you have them.
- Sync your PC settings using Windows Backup to OneDrive, which grants ESU access without payment.
These choices give a free path for many users who use a Microsoft Account and back up settings.
A special note for people in the European Economic Area
If you live in countries in the European Economic Area, Microsoft announced a change: the ESU program will be available free of charge for EEA users for the extra year, and without requiring cloud backup. This is a region-specific update.
If you are in the EEA, you likely have the simplest path to keep getting updates through October 14, 2026.
What your PC needs before you enroll
Before the ESU option appears, your PC must meet a few conditions. Check these now.
- Your PC must run Windows 10, version 22H2.
- You must install all pending updates, including the August 2025 patch that enables ESU enrollment.
- You need to sign in with a Microsoft Account on the PC to enroll.
- Devices joined to corporate domains or managed by business policies use different enrollment methods and are not covered here.
If your PC does not meet these points, the ESU enrollment wizard may not show up.
Step-by-step: how to enroll in ESU (the quick route)
Follow these steps. They are simple and should work for most home users.
- Update Windows to the latest patches. Restart your PC if needed.
- Sign in to Windows with a Microsoft Account (MSA). If you use a local account, switch to an MSA in Settings.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Look for an “Enroll now (ESU)” option or a special enrollment wizard under Check for updates.
- Choose your preferred route: sync settings to OneDrive (free option where available), redeem Rewards points, or pay the fee.
Complete the wizard and restart if asked. After enrollment, your PC should receive security updates through October 13, 2026. If you do not see the enrollment option, make sure you installed the August 2025 patch and that the rollout has reached your machine. Microsoft has said the wizard will roll out gradually.
Common problems and quick fixes
Here are typical bumps and how to solve them.
- No “Enroll now” button: Install all updates, especially the August patch. Sign in with your Microsoft Account and check again.
- You use a local account: Switch to a Microsoft Account to enroll. The ESU paths require an MSA.
- Device managed by work: Talk to your IT team. Business devices use different ESU channels.
- You are outside EEA and don’t want to pay: Consider redeeming Microsoft Rewards points or backing up settings to OneDrive if that option is available to you.
If the enrollment still fails, contact Microsoft support or check community forums for the latest rollout status.
Is ESU safe and complete? What it actually gives you
ESU supplies security-only updates for one extra year. That means you get patches for serious vulnerabilities, but not feature updates or new OS features.
Think of it as a safety net. It buys you time to upgrade hardware or move to Windows 11. It does not solve long-term compatibility or support issues.
Upgrade to Windows 11 — when it makes sense
Upgrading is the best long-term move for many users. But not all PCs qualify.
- If your PC meets Windows 11 hardware rules, upgrade now while the free upgrade is still supported.
- If your PC is older and can’t upgrade, ESU buys you a year to plan a replacement.
Before upgrading, back up your files and check app compatibility.
Alternative: switch to Linux or a new device
If you cannot or do not want to move to Windows 11, you have options:
- Install a user-friendly Linux distribution. It works well for web use, email, and office tasks.
- Buy a new PC with Windows 11 preinstalled. New devices include current security and firmware.
Both choices need learning and migration time. ESU gives breathing room to pick the right path.
Practical checklist — what to do today
- Check your Windows version: open Settings > System > About and confirm 22H2.
- Install all pending updates now and restart.
- Sign in to Windows with a Microsoft Account.
- Look for the ESU enrollment option in Windows Update.
- If eligible, enroll and choose the free method if it appears.
- If not eligible, consider backing up files and planning an upgrade path.
A short hour of checks today prevents stress after the deadline.
Final thoughts — act now, not later
Windows 10’s end of support is real. But Microsoft’s ESU program gives most users a clear, low-cost path to stay secure for another year. Whether you use the OneDrive sync method, Rewards points, or a small fee, you can buy time to upgrade on your terms.
Will you upgrade now or buy time and plan the move? Either choice is fine. The key is to decide and act before October 14, 2025. Stay secure. Stay calm. You’ve got options.