Missing Windows 10 ESU enrollment option? Microsoft says PCs will get it before support ends

Windows 10 users can’t see the option to enroll in the Extended Security Updates program because Microsoft is rolling it out in waves.
The company says all eligible PCs will receive the enrollment button before support ends on October 14, 2025.
The ESU plan extends security updates until October 13, 2026, but does not include new features.

A lot of Windows 10 users seeking to sign up for Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program still can’t find the option in Settings, despite the company’s promise of availability by mid-August 2025. The delay has left many wondering whether their PCs are affected in some way.

Rollout progressing in waves

Microsoft has confirmed that the ESU enrollment option is not broken or missing from individual devices. Instead, the company is deploying it in waves, meaning not every user sees the “Enroll now” button under Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update at the same time.

The slow rollout is perhaps intentional, allowing the company to monitor stability and address issues before scaling globally. A recent cumulative update (KB5063709) also addressed bugs that previously prevented the enrollment wizard from appearing, suggesting that the company is refining the process as it goes.

Currently, there is no manual method to trigger the option. Users simply need to wait until Microsoft enables it on their computers. However, the company has reassured that the enrollment option will reach all eligible Windows 10 devices before official support ends on October 14, 2025.

What the ESU program provides

The Extended Security Updates program provides users with an additional year of protection, extending critical security patch support until October 13, 2026. It’s important to note that ESU only includes security updates. There will be no new features, quality improvements, or direct technical support from Microsoft.

Although originally designed for organizations, Microsoft is also making the program available to consumers with three ways to enroll:

Free option – Available by backing up files to OneDrive, with or without a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Microsoft Rewards – Redeemable with 1,000 Rewards points.
Paid plan – $30 per year, which covers up to 10 devices tied to the same Microsoft account.

Regardless of the method, a Microsoft account is now a mandatory requirement for enrollment, even for paying users, who must sign in to complete the process. This change has frustrated some who expected offline purchase options.

Upgrade push continues

While the Extended Security Updates program offers a temporary lifeline, the software giant is also using the approaching deadline to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11. The company has issued full-screen reminders urging users to upgrade and warning them of the risks associated with staying on an unsupported operating system.

For those with compatible hardware, it’s possible to upgrade to Windows 11 through an in-place upgrade or clean installation. For unsupported computers, installation remains technically possible with workarounds, though the company discourages it.

What you should do now

If you plan to stay on Windows 10, it’s best not to wait until the last minute. Although you can’t force the option, you can check for updates and confirm that KB5063709 or a later update is installed on your computer. Then, look for the “Enroll now” option on the “Windows Update” settings page.

If your computer is compatible, you can skip the ESU program and plan your Windows 11 upgrade path as soon as possible.