Microsoft has officially announced that Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025. After this date, your PC will no longer receive critical security updates, leaving it increasingly vulnerable to viruses, ransomware, and cyberattacks.
But what if your computer can’t run Windows 11 or you’re simply not ready to upgrade? This is where Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program comes in. It provides an extra year of protection, extending Windows 10 support until October 13, 2026.
There’s a catch, though: enrolling in ESU originally required a $30 fee per device. For many users, this feels frustrating—especially if you just need a little more time before switching.
Here’s the good news: Microsoft now offers ways to get Windows 10 Extended Support for free. In this article, we’ll explain what ESU is, why it matters, and how you can enroll without paying a single dollar.
What Is Windows 10 Extended Support?
When Microsoft ends support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, the operating system will no longer receive security updates, leaving millions of PCs vulnerable to cyberattacks. To help users who aren’t ready to upgrade—or whose hardware cannot run Windows 11—Microsoft introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.
The ESU program is essentially a one-year extension of critical security patches beyond the official end-of-life date. This means your PC can continue to receive protection from the latest threats until October 13, 2026. However, ESU does not include performance improvements, feature updates, or new functionalities. It focuses strictly on security.
Originally, enrolling in ESU required a $30 fee per device, with a limit of up to ten devices per Microsoft account. While this seemed reasonable for businesses, many home users found it unnecessary—especially if they only needed a few extra months of protection.
The good news is that Microsoft now offers ways to get Windows 10 extended support for free. This is particularly helpful for users who:
- Have older PCs incompatible with Windows 11
- Need extra time before migrating to a new system
- Want to maintain security without spending money
In short, Windows 10 Extended Support is a temporary lifeline. It gives you one more year to plan your upgrade while keeping your device safe from security threats.
How to Get Windows 10 Extended Security Updates for Free
Now that you understand what the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is, let’s talk about the best part: you can enroll without paying the $30 fee. Microsoft has introduced a couple of options that allow you to extend Windows 10 support until October 13, 2026, completely free of charge.
Before we dive into the methods, make sure your PC meets the following requirements:
- ✅ You have a genuine, activated copy of Windows 10
- ✅ You’re signed in with a Microsoft Account (MSA) that has administrator rights
- ✅ Your system is fully updated through Windows Update
⚠️ Important: If your PC isn’t up to date, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install all pending updates before enrolling.
Method 1: Sync Settings via the Enrollment Wizard (Free)
This is the simplest way to get ESU at no cost. Microsoft is offering free enrollment to users who enable account sync, which helps integrate your settings across devices.
Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Press
Win + Ito open Settings. - Navigate to Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Scroll down to find “Enroll in Extended Security Updates” and click it.
- Hit “Enroll now”.
- Sign in with your Microsoft Account when prompted.
- If syncing is off, enable Sync your settings (don’t worry, it’s safe and optional beyond enrollment).
- Click Next, and the enrollment process will start automatically.
📌 Tip: You can check or enable sync by going to Settings > Accounts > Sync your settings. Turning this on simply backs up your preferences to the cloud—it won’t slow down your PC or share sensitive files.
Method 2: Use Microsoft Rewards Points (Effectively Free)
If you prefer not to enable syncing, you can still get ESU for free using Microsoft Rewards points. Instead of paying $30, you redeem 3,000 points, which you can earn through everyday activities.
How to Earn Points Quickly:
- 🔹 Search the web with Bing on Microsoft Edge (daily bonus)
- 🔹 Read news on MSN or use the Bing app
- 🔹 Complete daily or weekly quizzes and challenges
- 🔹 Keep your Microsoft Account profile up to date
- 🔹 Occasionally, join promotional offers for extra points
Enrollment Steps:
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click “Enroll now” under the ESU option.
- Select “Redeem Microsoft Rewards points” as your payment method.
- Make sure you have at least 3,000 points.
- Confirm and complete enrollment.
💬 Pro Tip: Start collecting points early—earning 3,000 points is easy but takes a bit of time.
Why These Free Methods Work
You might wonder why Microsoft is giving away something that used to cost money. The answer is simple: it’s a win-win situation. Microsoft wants users to:
- Stay secure and avoid widespread vulnerabilities
- Use its ecosystem services like Edge, Bing, and cloud sync
- Keep their Microsoft Accounts active
By offering free ESU enrollment, Microsoft reduces security risks across millions of devices while promoting engagement with its services.
Important Notes & Warnings
Before you enroll in Windows 10 Extended Security Updates, keep these critical points in mind:
- ❗ ESU only adds one extra year of support. This is not a permanent solution—support ends completely after October 13, 2026.
- After that date, no more security patches will be released, and running Windows 10 will become highly risky.
- Feature and performance updates stop in 2025. ESU only covers security fixes, not new features or improvements.
- Not all editions of Windows 10 qualify. The program primarily applies to Windows 10 Home and Pro. Enterprise users have separate licensing options.
If you rely on Windows 10 for critical tasks, consider this your last opportunity to stay secure while planning your upgrade to Windows 11 or another supported OS.
Conclusion (Call to Action)
The official end of support for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025—but that doesn’t mean you have to risk your security immediately. Thanks to Microsoft’s ESU program, you can extend support for free until October 2026 by either:
- Enabling settings sync through the Enrollment Wizard
- Redeeming Microsoft Rewards points instead of paying $30
Don’t wait until the last minute. Update your PC, verify your Microsoft Account, and enroll today to avoid security risks after 2025.
Even if you plan to upgrade later, this extra year of protection is invaluable. Stay safe, stay updated!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need to pay after the first year?
A: No. The ESU program only lasts one year, and after October 2026, Microsoft will completely end support for Windows 10.
Q: Can I use both free methods?
A: No. Once you enroll using either syncing settings or Microsoft Rewards, your device is covered for the full period.
Q: Will enabling sync slow down my PC?
A: No. Syncing your settings works in the background and uses minimal resources. It’s mainly for backup and personalization.
Q: Can I transfer ESU to another PC?
A: No. The enrollment is tied to your specific device and Microsoft Account.
Q: Does ESU include new features or performance updates?
A: No. ESU only provides critical security patches, not feature enhancements or design updates.
