The days of automatic security updates for Windows 10 have officially come to a close. As of this month, PCs running Windows 10 with default settings will no longer receive those vital monthly security patches from Microsoft’s Windows Update servers, marking the end of its official support.
But don’t rush to replace your trusty machine just yet! Microsoft has rolled out several welcome options that let you continue receiving critical security updates for Windows 10, extending its lifespan well beyond the initial deadline. Even better, many users can get these updates for free.
Get Your Free Windows 10 Security Updates Until October 2027
When Microsoft first announced its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10, it came with a $30 subscription fee. Thankfully, the company recognized that millions of Windows 10 users weren’t ready to upgrade or pay, leading to the introduction of new “free enrollment options” for consumers.
This program allows eligible personal devices to receive security updates until October 12, 2027. This is a significant extension, pushing the support deadline a full year past the originally announced October 2026 cutoff. These free ESU subscriptions are available even for PCs that don’t meet Windows 11’s compatibility requirements.
Enrollment Made Easy: What You Need to Do
Activating your free ESU subscription is straightforward. You’ll find the option directly in your Windows 10 Settings. Head to Settings > Windows Update, where you should see a link to “Enroll now” for Extended Security Updates.
Upon clicking, an enrollment wizard will guide you through the process. If you’re already signed in with a Microsoft account and have used the Windows Backup program to save your settings to the cloud, you might be instantly waved through, qualifying for free enrollment.
For those not yet using Windows Backup or signed in with a local account, Microsoft offers a few simple paths to avoid the $30 charge. You can opt to use the cloud-based Windows Backup utility to sync your settings, or alternatively, redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. These points are surprisingly easy to accumulate, often through daily searches or quizzes on Bing.
A quick tip regarding Windows Backup: while it’s an easy way to qualify, it can also copy data files from your personal folders to OneDrive. If you have a lot of data and don’t have a Microsoft 365 subscription, this might quickly exhaust your free 5GB of OneDrive storage. To prevent this, ensure you are not signed in to OneDrive before you begin the ESU enrollment process.
To qualify for these free updates, your PC must be running Windows 10, version 22H2 (Home, Professional, Pro Education, or Workstation editions) with the latest cumulative update installed. You’ll also need to be signed in with an administrator-level Microsoft account, not a child account. Note that Enterprise and Education editions, or PCs joined to Active Directory domains or managed with Mobile Device Management software, are not eligible for these free consumer options.
A Special Perk for European Users & What About Businesses?
For users located in the European Economic Area (EEA), there’s even better news! Customers in any of the 30 EEA countries qualify automatically for free ESU subscriptions without any additional requirements, meaning no Microsoft account or specific tasks are needed. This is a fantastic benefit confirmed by Microsoft itself, simplifying access to crucial security patches for millions of European users.
Unfortunately, enterprise customers are not eligible for these free consumer options. Businesses will need to pay significantly higher prices for commercial ESU subscriptions, starting at $61 per device per year and doubling annually for up to three years. These business-specific subscriptions are available through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Program or via Microsoft’s Cloud Service Provider partners.
Looking Ahead: A Temporary Reprieve
While the free Extended Security Updates are a welcome relief, it’s crucial to remember that this is a temporary solution. This two-year extension, generously stretched an extra year by Microsoft, provides a valuable reprieve. However, by October 2027, you will need a more permanent plan.
This might involve upgrading to a Windows 11-compatible PC, purchasing a new device, or exploring alternative operating systems. For now, take advantage of this opportunity to keep your Windows 10 system secure without the immediate pressure of a costly upgrade.
Source: ZDNet – AI
