Microsoft has announced free Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 PCs after the operating system reached its end-of-support date. The program provides security updates until October 12, 2027, for eligible devices.
Eligibility
- Requires Windows 10, version 22H2, Home, Professional, Pro Education, or Workstation editions with the latest cumulative update installed.
- Enterprise and Education editions are excluded.
- The PC must not be joined to an Active Directory domain, Microsoft Entra ID, or managed by Mobile Device Management software.
- Enrollment requires an administrator account, which cannot be a child account.
Enrollment Options
- Free with Microsoft account: Users can sign in with a Microsoft account and optionally use Windows Backup or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
- Free in EEA: Customers in any of the 30 European Economic Area countries qualify automatically without a Microsoft account.
- Paid option: Users can pay $30 (or local equivalent) if other options are not feasible.
Technical Details
- The subscription is tied to a Microsoft account and can be applied to up to 10 PCs.
- Once activated, the PC will continue receiving updates even if the user changes accounts.
- Enrollment is done via Settings > Windows Update.
Business Customers
- Enterprise customers must purchase commercial ESU subscriptions starting at $61 per device per year, with prices doubling each subsequent year.
Restrictions
- The free consumer ESU is intended for personal use only.
- Availability may vary by region.
This extension acknowledges the large number of Windows 10 PCs still in use beyond the original end-of-support date.