As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft is officially ending mainstream support for Windows 10, marking the beginning of its “end of life” phase. While your computer won’t stop working, it will no longer get automatic security updates—leaving it more vulnerable to malware and cyber threats over time.

To stay safe, Windows 10 users now have three main choices: upgrade to Windows 11, purchase a new device with the latest OS pre-installed, or opt into Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Fortunately, Microsoft is now allowing many users to join the ESU program for free.

Why Security Updates Still Matter

Without regular updates, Windows 10 will no longer receive critical patches to fix security flaws. That means continued use could expose your system to increasing risks. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program gives you a grace period—extending essential patch support into 2026—so you have extra time to plan your next steps.

How to Join Microsoft’s Free ESU Program

Here’s how to enroll your Windows 10 device in the Extended Security Updates program and continue receiving important updates:

1. Make Sure Your System Is Up to Date

Head to Settings > System > About to check your current version of Windows 10. If you’re behind on updates, install all available ones before moving forward.

2. Use an Administrator Account

Only administrator accounts can sign up for ESU. To verify, go to Settings > Your Info and check for the “Administrator” label under your account name.

3. Check if You’re Eligible for Windows 11

If your PC meets the system requirements, you may still be able to upgrade to Windows 11 for free—which offers better long-term protection. If you want to stay on Windows 10, continue with the ESU steps below.

4. Enroll in Extended Security Updates

Navigate to Settings > Update & Security, and look for an option that says “Enroll Now” under the Extended Security Updates section. If it’s not showing, make sure your system is fully updated first.

5. Back Up Your Data Before Enrolling

Before activating ESU, Microsoft will prompt you to back up your PC. You’ll get up to 5 GB of free OneDrive storage. To reduce the size of your backup, go to Settings > OneDrive and deselect folders you don’t need.

When you’re ready, follow these steps:

  • Click “Add this device to receive Extended Security Updates”
  • Select Add Device
  • Click Done

Important Note:

The free ESU plan requires a Microsoft account, which connects your Windows login to the Microsoft cloud ecosystem. If you’re using a local account, you’ll need to opt into services like OneDrive, Microsoft 365, or Game Pass to take advantage of the ESU offering.

Final Thoughts

While Windows 10 is still functional, the end of official support means increased risk. Enrolling in Microsoft’s free ESU program is a smart way to stay protected while you decide whether to upgrade your OS or device.