Microsoft on Tuesday introduced that it is extending Home windows 10 Prolonged Safety Updates (ESU) for an additional 12 months by letting customers both pay a small payment of $30 or by sync their PC settings to the cloud.
The event comes forward of the tech large’s upcoming October 14, 2025, deadline, when it plans to formally finish assist and cease offering safety updates for units working Home windows 10. The desktop working system was launched in July 2015.
The Home windows maker describes ESU as a “final resort choice” for purchasers who have to run legacy Microsoft software program that has reached end-of-life (EoL) standing. That is meant to be a brief answer whereas migrating to a more moderen supported platform.
As a part of the brand new enrollment choices introduced by Microsoft, people can opt-in to this system from their private Home windows 10 PC by way of an “enrollment wizard” obtainable within the Settings app. Customers can select one of many three choices –
- Use Home windows Backup to sync your settings to the cloud (at no further value)
- Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards factors (at no further value)
- Pay $30 (native pricing could change)
As soon as the suitable choice is chosen, customers’ PCs can be routinely enrolled into this system. ESU protection for Home windows 10 units runs from October 15, 2025, to October 13, 2026.
The enrollment wizard is at present obtainable within the Home windows Insider Program, and is predicted to be rolled out to Home windows 10 clients in July, with expanded availability set for mid-August.
It is value noting that ESUs don’t cowl new options, non-security updates, or design change requests. One other key facet to think about is that utilizing Microsoft Rewards or Home windows Backup requires customers to join a Microsoft account, if they do not have it already.
“People or organizations who elect to proceed utilizing Home windows 10 after assist ends on October 14, 2025, could have the choice of enrolling their PCs right into a paid ESU subscription,” Microsoft notes.
“The ESU program allows PCs to proceed to obtain vital and essential safety updates by way of an annual subscription service after assist ends.”
