How to get your final Windows 10 security update
Microsoft will end support for its Windows 10 operating system on October 14, after which devices will no longer receive default security updates. Users can maintain security by enrolling in a one-year extension program, now available for free.
The “end of life” status for Windows 10 signifies that while personal computers running the operating system will continue to function after the October deadline, Microsoft will cease the automatic distribution of critical security updates. This cessation of support leaves the systems progressively more vulnerable to malware and other cybersecurity threats with each passing week. The company’s decision to phase out the operating system has led to the establishment of several pathways for users who wish to ensure their devices remain secure. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is designed to provide a temporary solution, granting an additional year of security patches for those who enroll.
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Users of Windows 10 are presented with three distinct options to address the upcoming end of support. The first option is to upgrade to Windows 11, a process that is offered for free to users whose computers meet the necessary hardware compatibility requirements. The second choice involves purchasing a new personal computer that comes with Windows 11 pre-installed. This path also allows for a transition to an entirely different platform, such as a Mac or a Chromebook. The third and final option is to enroll the current device in the Extended Security Updates program, which provides continued security patches for Windows 10 for an additional year, deferring the need for an immediate upgrade or hardware replacement.
The ESU program was initially communicated by Microsoft as a paid service. At one point, the company suggested that the 12-month extension would carry a fee of $30. While a paid option remains, a free enrollment path has been made available for Windows 10 users located in the United States. This free alternative allows individuals to continue using their existing hardware with the Windows 10 operating system securely for another year without incurring a direct financial cost for the updates. The process to enroll involves a series of steps that must be completed on the user’s device.
- The first prerequisite for enrolling in the ESU program is to ensure the computer’s operating system is fully up to date. Users can verify their current Windows 10 version by navigating to the Settings menu, selecting System, and then choosing About. Within this section, the OS version is displayed. If the system is not current, all pending Windows 10 updates must be installed. Completing this step is crucial, as the option to enroll in the ESU program may not be visible or accessible on systems that are not running the latest available updates for Windows 10.
- Next, the user must be logged into an administrator account on the PC. On computers shared by multiple individuals within a household, it is necessary to use the account with administrative privileges to make the required system changes for ESU enrollment. Typically, the first account created on a computer is designated as the administrator. A user can confirm their account status by navigating to Settings and then selecting Your Info. The designation “Administrator” will appear directly under the user’s name if the account holds the necessary permissions for the procedure.
- Before proceeding with ESU enrollment, users should verify if their PC is eligible for a direct upgrade to Windows 11. If the system presents an option to upgrade to the newer operating system, performing this free upgrade is the recommended course of action. This keeps the device within the currently supported Windows ecosystem without the need for temporary extensions. For users whose computers do not meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11, or for those who choose not to upgrade at this time, continuing with the ESU enrollment steps is the appropriate alternative for maintaining security.
- To officially enroll in the Extended Security Updates, the user must navigate to the Update & Security section within the Settings menu. Here, a sign-up link labeled “Enroll Now” should be available. Clicking this link initiates the process. A pop-up window will subsequently appear with the message, “Add this device to receive Extended Security Updates.” The user must then click the “Add Device” button to confirm enrollment, followed by clicking “Done” to complete this stage of the process. If the “Enroll Now” link does not appear, it is an indication that the PC likely has pending updates that must be installed first, as outlined in the initial step.
- After initiating enrollment, the user must choose an enrollment method. The most direct free option involves backing up the PC’s settings. This action requires the user to be logged into an administrator account. For users in the United States, this free method has specific conditions. The first is that it requires linking the local Windows login to Microsoft’s cloud-based online services. While many individuals may have already done this through use of services like Office 365, GamePass, CoPilot, or OneDrive, it represents a change for those who have intentionally maintained a local-only login. For these users, connecting to the Microsoft cloud is a prerequisite for the free extension. The source material notes that European users are offered the free option without this requirement.
The second condition associated with the free backup method is a storage limitation. The complimentary backup service applies only to the first 5 gigabytes of data. If a user’s backup exceeds this threshold, they will be required to subscribe to a paid Microsoft OneDrive plan to accommodate the additional storage. A workaround is available for users who wish to stay within the free 5 GB limit. By navigating to Settings and then to OneDrive, users can manually deselect which folders are included in the backup. Toggling off data-heavy folders, such as Documents, Pictures, and Videos, can help reduce the total backup size to fall below the free threshold.
Upon successful completion of the enrollment and backup process, the Windows 10 device is registered to receive security updates for an additional 12 months. This extension provides users with a full year to plan a permanent upgrade path, whether that involves transitioning to a Windows 11-compatible machine or exploring alternative operating systems.