Windows 10 Support: If you are still using a PC with Windows 10, then be careful. After Tuesday, October 14, 2025, your system will no longer receive any new security updates. About 41% of PC users i.e. more than 40 crore computers are still running on Windows 10 but now this version will be considered outdated.
Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program
Microsoft has started an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to give its users a little more time. Under this, users will continue to get security updates till 13 October 2026. This feature is for those who do not want to upgrade to Windows 11 at this time or whose systems cannot run on it. According to the company, this is not a permanent solution but a temporary security bridge so that users can easily migrate to the new system while remaining safe.
How much will it cost and who will get the chance for free update?
The price of the ESU program has been kept at $30 (approximately Rs 2,500) but it is completely free for European users. Rest of the users also have two free options.
Sync your settings to OneDrive via Windows Backup or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards Points. By choosing one of these options, you can get Windows 10 security updates for free until 2026.
How to enroll in Windows 10 ESU program
First of all, make sure that the latest version of Windows 10 (22H2) is installed on your PC.
Check by going to Settings → Windows Update → View Update History.
If all is well, then in the Windows Update section you will see a message “Windows 10 support ends in October 2025” and below there will be a link “Enroll in Extended Security Updates”. Clicking on it will open the ESU Enrollment Wizard. You can now choose OneDrive sync, $30 payment or 1,000 Rewards Points. You can join this program any time till 13 October 2026.
Some users have not yet received “Enroll Now” option.
According to reports, this feature has not been activated yet on some systems. On many testing devices, the “Enroll Now” link did not appear despite the required update (KB5063709). Microsoft spokesperson has said that this feature is gradually being rolled out in all markets.
Two easy ways to get free security updates for Windows 10 users
Create a backup on OneDrive
Select the “Back up your PC settings” option in the ESU Wizard and start syncing with your Microsoft account to OneDrive. Note, Microsoft only provides 5GB of free storage, so you may have to pay extra for more data.
Use Microsoft Rewards Points
If you have 1,000 or more points, redeem them to get the ESU update at no cost.
Windows 10 has performed well in the last decade, but now its journey is in its final stages. Still, for users who don’t want to move to Windows 11 right away, Microsoft’s free ESU program is a useful and safe alternative. This allows you to keep your system secure and up-to-date until 2026 without purchasing new hardware.
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