Microsoft Extends Free Windows 10 Security Updates. The tech giant has announced a pivotal update for Windows 10 users: those reluctant or unable to upgrade to Windows 11 can now receive free Extended Security Updates (ESU) until October 13, 2026, under certain conditions. This nearly year-long extension offers vital protection as the official support deadline of October 14, 2025 approaches.
What’s Changing?
Traditionally, after Windows 10’s support expiry, only users who paid for ESU, approximately £30 per device, could continue receiving critical security updates for another year. But now Microsoft is introducing two no-cost options for consumer PCs to stay secure:
Windows Backup option: Users who sync their settings and files to OneDrive through the Windows Backup app will qualify for free ESU.
Microsoft Rewards points: Alternatively, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points grants the same free update extension.
These options become available via a new enrolment wizard that will begin rolling out to non-Insider users in July and should reach the majority by mid-August.
Who Qualifies?
This is for Home users only. You must use Windows 10 version 22H2 with an active Microsoft Account. Commercial, enterprise, or educational devices must continue paying standard ESU fees: £50‑£120+ per device, increasing each year.
This consumer-specific approach incentivises users to adopt Microsoft’s cloud services without mandating an upfront financial commitment.
The “Catch”
While Microsoft positions this free ESU offer as generous, there are notable conditions:
You must opt in: Secure your free ESU by using Microsoft’s Windows Backup or earning 1,000 Rewards points. There is a cloud ecosystem tie-in: The Backup route nudges users toward OneDrive, effectively steering toward cloud dependency.
You will receive Security updates only. No new Windows 10 features or non-security improvements, these were already paused post-October 2025. Lastly there is an Enterprise exclusion, businesses won’t access free ESU options and must stick with escalating subscription fees.
Why It Matters
With over 53% of PCs globally still running Windows 10, according to Statcounter, millions face an imminent security cliff. Without this new program a lack of security updates could leave users vulnerable to malware or cyber threats.
Additionally, starting August 2026, no further Office feature updates will be backported to Windows 10, although security patches will continue until 2028.
In effect, Microsoft’s move grants a reprieve, not a sustained extension, allowing more flexibility for the “Windows 11 PC refresh” strategy.
Microsoft Extends Free Windows 10 Security Updates
Security analysts note this initiative is more strategic than altruistic. By offering free ESU to consumers, but not to enterprises, Microsoft underscores a push toward Windows 11, cloud services, and future hardware refreshes. For organizations, the path remains steep, with rising ESU costs serving as further incentive to upgrade.
What Users Must Do
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Check Windows 10 version | Must be 22H2 |
| 2. Use Windows Update | Look for ESU enrollment invite |
| 3. Opt-in via one of three options: | • Use Windows Backup to sync with OneDrive |
| • Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points | |
| • Pay £30 (if neither opt-in chosen) | |
| 4. Confirm ESU activation | Once enrolled, updates continue until Oct 2026 |
Final Verdict
Microsoft’s updated ESU program offers a much-needed security lifeline for Windows 10 users, particularly those on older hardware or hesitant to jump to Windows 11. The catch is that it nudges users toward Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem—or else it’s back to paying for updates. Enterprises still face a cost barrier and must plan for eventual migration.
Who benefits? Home users with Windows 10 PCs
What’s included? Critical security updates only
Duration? Until October 13, 2026
Conditions? Must opt-in via cloud sync, Rewards, or £30 purchase
Restrictions? No Office features post‑2026; excluded commercial devices
For consumers, this is a welcome grace period, but under clear conditions and without long-term promise. If you plan to stay on Windows 10 past its end-of-support, getting familiar with the ESU process is essential and swift action before mid-August is highly recommended.
This post was written by Rob Gordon, an IT geek, gadget lover and blogger. Rob has been using the internets since 1994 when the only streaming video was that coffee pot in Cambridge (rip)….
Follow Rob on X – @robgordon – about.me/robgordonuk
