Microsoft has officially announced that it will transition Windows 10 to an end-of-life status starting on October 14, 2025. While your Windows 10 PCs will continue to function post this date, they will no longer receive critical security updates by default. This significant change leaves users with three primary options to ensure their computers remain secure and functional.
1. Upgrade to Windows 11: If your computer meets the compatibility requirements, you can upgrade to Windows 11 for free.
2. Purchase a New PC: Consider buying a new computer that comes pre-installed with Windows 11, or explore alternatives such as a Mac or a Chromebook.
3. Enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU): This option allows you to keep using Windows 10 securely for an additional year.
In this article, we will focus on the Extended Security Updates (ESU), a relatively straightforward method to maintain the security of your Windows 10 system. While we can question Microsoft's motives for phasing out Windows 10, it’s essential to recognize that without those critical security updates, your PC may become vulnerable to malware threats.
Enrolling in the ESU program provides you with an extra year of security for Windows 10. Initially, Microsoft indicated that this extension would incur a fee of $30, but there’s now a viable free option for Windows 10 users in the United States. Here's how you can take advantage of this offer:
Step 1: Check Your Windows VersionTo determine if your computer is up-to-date, navigate to Settings > System > About and scroll down to check your current version. If your system isn’t updated, ensure you install all available Windows 10 updates.
Step 2: Use an Administrator AccountIf you share your computer with others, confirm that you are logged into the administrator account. This is typically the first account set up on the device, identifiable by the "Administrator" label under your name in Settings > Your Info.
Step 3: Check Windows 11 Upgrade EligibilityIf you see an option to upgrade to Windows 11, it’s advisable to proceed with that upgrade as it’s free and ensures continued support. If not, continue following the steps to secure your Windows 10 system.
Step 4: Sign Up for Extended Security UpdatesTo enroll in ESU, go to Update & Security in your Settings menu. Look for the Enroll Now sign-up link. If you’re not seeing this option, you may need to install the latest Windows 10 updates first.
Step 5: Choose Your Enrollment MethodYou have several options to enroll in ESU. The most straightforward method is to back up your PC settings. This process is free but requires some time to ensure all your data is preserved. Remember, you must be using an administrator account for this step.
However, the free option comes with two conditions, especially for users in the US. First, you will need to link your Windows login to Microsoft’s cloud-based services. Many users may already be familiar with this if they use services like CoPilot, Office 365, or OneDrive.
The second condition is that the free backup applies only to the first 5 GB of storage. If your backup exceeds this limit, a subscription to Microsoft’s OneDrive services may be required. Fortunately, you can manage your backup preferences by going to Settings > OneDrive and toggling off options such as Documents, Pictures, and Videos.
Final Steps to EnrollOnce you are signed in, a prompt will appear asking you to add your device to receive Extended Security Updates. Click Add Device to complete your enrollment, and then click Done.
For a more visual guide, you can check out the video tutorial on YouTube by the Explaining Computers channel, which can provide further insights into the enrollment process.
Congratulations! You have successfully enrolled in the ESU program, granting you an additional 12 months to plan your next steps for a transition to Windows 11 or another operating system. Stay tuned for future updates, as we will provide guidance on your next steps as they become available.
