How to enroll to get free Extended Security Updates (ESU) after Windows 10 support ends

• To enroll your Windows 10 device in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, then select “Enroll now” under the support deadline notification.
• You can sign up by backing up to OneDrive, redeeming Microsoft Rewards points, or purchasing for $30.
• Enrollment ensures one additional year of security updates past October 14, 2025.

On Windows 10, you can now enroll your computer in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to continue receiving security updates after the support ends, and in this guide, I’ll explain how and why you should sign up.

On October 14, 2025, the life of Windows 10 will come to an end after a decade, marking the end of Microsoft’s support for maintenance, security updates, and technical support. However, since there are still a lot of devices running the operating system, the company is (for the first time) offering regular consumers access to the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to continue getting updates for an additional year, allowing more time to prepare to transition to Windows 11.

The program is technically a paid service, and it’s been primarily designed for organizations. However, regular consumers can also pay for it or obtain it for free (with a catch), depending on the option they choose.

If you’re still not ready to upgrade to Windows 11, the company allows you to enroll your device in the program through three different methods. For example, you can choose to back up your data to OneDrive with or without a Microsoft 365 subscription.

The second option is to redeem 1000 points if you have already signed up for the Microsoft Rewards program. If you have never used this program, you can always enroll,  complete a few quests, and then redeem the necessary points.

Finally, you can pay $30 to enroll in the ESU program and continue receiving security updates for your Windows 10 computers for one more year.

In this guide, I’ll outline the steps to enroll in the Windows 10 ESU program.

• Sign up for the Windows 10 ESU program
• Confirm if your PC is enrolled in ESU

Sign up for the Windows 10 ESU program

To continue receiving security updates after Windows 10 support ends, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on Windows 11.

2. Click on Update & Security.

3. Click on Windows Update.

4. (Optional) Click the “Check for updates” button to ensure the PC has the latest updates.

5. Click the Enroll now option under the “Windows 10 support ends in October 2025” notifications.

   

   Quick note: The option may also appear on the left pane of the “Windows Update” page.

6. Click the Next button.

   

7. (Option 1) Click the Enroll button if the system detects that your device is already backing up your settings and files to the cloud.

   

8. (Option 2) Select the enrollment option, including “Back up your PC settings,” “Redeem Microsoft Rewards points,” or “One time purchase.”

   

9. Click the Next button.

10. Continue with the on-screen directions to complete the enrollment.

11. Click the Done button.

    

Once you complete the steps, the device will continue to receive security updates for an additional year.

Confirm if your PC is enrolled in ESU

To tell if your computer is enrolled in the program, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on Update & Security.

3. Click on Windows Update.

4. Confirm the “Your PC is enrolled to get Extended Security Updates” messages.

   

After you complete the steps, you will know if the computer will continue to receive security updates.

FAQs about Windows 10 Extended Security Updates

These are some of the common questions and answers about the Extended Security Updates program.

What kind of updates will Windows 10 receive via ESU?

The ESU program will only offer critical security updates, enough to maintain your computer secure until you transition to Windows 11 or a new device. Updates through this program won’t offer new features or improvements.

Will Microsoft Defender Antivirus continue to receive updates?

Yes, whether you sign up for the program or not, Microsoft will continue to offer definition updates for the Microsoft Defender Antivirus until 2028.

Will the Microsoft 365 app continue to receive updates?

Yes, whether you sign up for the program or not, Microsoft will continue to offer updates for Word, Excel, and the other apps. However, they will not receive new features.

How long will Windows 10 continue to receive security updates?

Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025, and the ESU program will offer updates for another year, until October 13, 2026.

When will the ESU enrollment option be available on your PC?

On June 24, 2025, Microsoft opened the Extended Security Updates enrollment for Windows 10 through the Windows Insider Program.

In July 2025, the software giant is expected to expand the enrollment to consumers outside of the Insider Program. Finally, in mid-August 2025, the program will be available more broadly to every device.

When should I enroll in the security updates program?

You should update to the program as soon as the option is available before the support ends. If you don’t want to wait, you can enroll your computer in the Release Preview Channel, and then after installing the latest update, you should be able to see the option.

What are the requirements to enroll in the Extended Security Updates?

The Extended Security Updates program is available for computers running Windows 10 22H2 with the latest cumulative updates already applied.

You also need to be signed in with an administrator account that is linked to a Microsoft account because the Extended Security Updates product key is linked to your Microsoft account.

If you’re using a local account, you’ll be prompted to sign in with your Microsoft account to proceed.

Do I need to enroll in the ESU program?

No, if you’re computer is compatible, you should upgrade to Windows 11. This offering is only for those who need more time to transition to the newer version of the operating system.

Can I upgrade to Windows 11 after enrolling in ESU?

Yes, you can upgrade to Windows 11 at any time while in the Extended Security Updates program.