Microsoft has announced it will extend Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) for an additional year, offering new and more flexible enrollment options for users who wish to keep their devices secure after the official end-of-support date on October 14, 2025.
Key Details of the Extension
Windows 10 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft will stop providing free security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for the operating system. The new ESU coverage will run from October 15, 2025, through October 13, 2026. The ESU program is intended as a temporary, last-resort solution for users who need more time to migrate to a newer, supported platform like Windows 11.
Enrollment Options for Individuals
Microsoft has introduced three ways for individual users to enroll their personal Windows 10 PCs in the ESU program:
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Use Windows Backup to sync settings to the cloud | Free | Requires enabling Windows Backup and connecting to a OneDrive account. |
| Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points | Free | Points can be earned through Bing searches, Microsoft Store purchases, Xbox, etc. |
| Pay $30 | $30 per device | Local pricing may vary. Direct payment for one year of ESU coverage. |
Starting in July 2025, Microsoft will roll out an “enrollment wizard” in the Windows 10 Settings app and through system notifications, allowing users to easily select their preferred option and enroll their device. The wizard is already available for Windows Insider testers and will be broadly available to all Windows 10 users by mid-August 2025.
Considerations and Limitations
While the cloud backup option is free, it requires users to sync their settings to OneDrive. The free tier of OneDrive offers 5GB of storage, which may not be sufficient for all users. Exceeding this limit may require a paid OneDrive or Microsoft 365 subscription, though this still may be cheaper than the $30 fee.
1,000 Microsoft Rewards points are equivalent to about $1 in value and can be accumulated by using Microsoft services. Users must redeem these points before the October 14, 2025, deadline. These new enrollment options are designed for personal devices. Commercial organizations have different pricing and enrollment processes. The ESU program is meant as a stopgap, providing security updates for only one year. Microsoft continues to urge users to upgrade to Windows 11 or newer platforms.
For Businesses and Organizations
Organizations can subscribe to ESU for $61 per device for the first year, with the option to renew annually for up to three years (cost increases each year). Enrollment is available via Microsoft Volume Licensing and, from September, through Cloud Service Providers.
