Windows 10 Isn’t Really Dead Yet — How ESU Buys You One More Year of Security

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Microsoft’s built-in shutdown for Windows 10—scheduled for October 14, 2025—is real, but many users will still get one more year of security updates thanks to its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. What’s changed in recent days, what you must do, and whether ESU is truly the “lifeline” it claims to be—here’s what your readers must know.

What is ESU — and What Actually Arrives After 2025

ESU is Microsoft’s mechanism to keep critical and important security patches flowing for Windows 10 devices beyond the normal end of support. It does not include new features, bug fixes, or general technical support.

Under consumer ESU, updates will be delivered via Windows Update to enrolled devices until October 13, 2026

Previously, ESU was largely an enterprise offering. Now, with the consumer rollout, Microsoft is giving households a last-ditch way of patching known vulnerabilities.

Also Read: How to Fix Windows Couldn’t Automatically Bind the IP Protocol Stack to the Network Adapter

The Regulatory Push That Changed the Game

A key moment came when European consumer rights groups challenged Microsoft’s ESU terms. They argued that requiring users to enable Windows Backup or redeem Microsoft Rewards to qualify for free updates violated the EU’s Digital Markets Act.

As a result, Microsoft agreed to remove these conditions in the European Economic Area (EEA). Now, ESU in the EEA is completely free, with no requirement to use Rewards or sync PC settings.

There is one caveat: users must sign into a Microsoft account at least once every 60 days to keep ESU active.

Outside the EEA, the original rules remain:

• Enable Windows Backup and settings sync (free option).
• Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
• Pay a one-time $30 fee, covering up to 10 devices.

How to Prepare for Windows 10 ESU Enrollment

If you plan to keep using Windows 10 after October 2025, here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Confirm Your Version

Make sure your device is running Windows 10, version 22H2. You can check this under Settings → System → About. Only this version is eligible for ESU.

2. Install Pending Updates

Ensure your PC is fully up to date. Missing cumulative updates can prevent the ESU enrollment option from appearing.

3. Use a Microsoft Account

Local accounts are no longer eligible. Even if you pay the $30 fee, you must link your device to a Microsoft account.

4. Find the ESU Enrollment Wizard

Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update. Eligible devices will show an “Enroll now” option. Microsoft is rolling this out gradually, so it may not appear for everyone immediately.

5. Choose Your Path

Depending on your region, you’ll need to either:

• Turn on Windows Backup and sync.
• Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
• Pay $30 USD (or local equivalent).

All three routes provide the same one-year coverage through October 13, 2026.

6. Maintain Your Enrollment

Keep your Microsoft account active. In the EEA, failing to sign in at least once every 60 days can suspend your ESU status.

The Trade-Offs You Should Know

While ESU buys time, it’s not without compromises:

• Privacy concerns: Using the free sync option moves more of your data into Microsoft’s cloud.
• OneDrive storage limits: The free tier offers only 5 GB. Larger backups may force you into a paid plan.
• Limited updates: Only critical and important patches are included—no fixes for performance or usability issues.
• No technical support: ESU doesn’t include troubleshooting help from Microsoft.
• Microsoft account requirement: Even for paid enrollments, local accounts are excluded.
• Short runway: Support ends in October 2026—after that, Windows 10 will truly be out of options.

What ESU Means for the Future

Transition planning is essential. ESU should be seen as a buffer, not a permanent solution. Use the extra year to:

• Upgrade your hardware if your device supports Windows 11.
• Explore alternative operating systems like lightweight Linux distributions for older PCs.
• Monitor app and driver compatibility, since many vendors will stop supporting Windows 10 before Microsoft’s final cutoff.
• Watch regulatory developments: Europe’s victory may inspire consumer groups elsewhere to pressure Microsoft for broader free access.

Also Read: Fix WiFi Doesn’t Have a Valid IP Configuration Problem on Windows PC

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Don’t wait until the last minute. Enroll early, secure your devices, and start planning for what comes after Windows 10’s final goodbye.