How to get a free extra year of security updates for Windows 10

Windows 10 reaches end of support on October 14. While PCs running Windows 10 will keep working, they will stop receiving important security updates by default — which increases exposure to malware and other threats. Fortunately, Microsoft offers options to stay protected for another year.

Three main choices are available:

• Upgrade to Windows 11 for free if your PC is compatible.
• Buy a new PC with Windows 11 (or switch to another platform like macOS or ChromeOS).
• Enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU) to get an extra year of security patches.

This guide focuses on the ESU option, which now has a free path for many users in the US. The free method requires linking your device to a Microsoft account and using cloud backup with OneDrive (free tier is 5 GB).

Quick steps to enroll in Extended Security Updates

1. Confirm Windows 10 is fully up to date: Settings > System > About and install any pending updates.
2. Sign in with an administrator account (Settings > Your Info shows account type).
3. If available, consider upgrading to Windows 11 — it’s free and keeps you on a supported platform.
4. To enroll in ESU: go to Settings > Update & Security and click the “Enroll Now” link. If you don’t see the link, install the latest Windows 10 updates first.
5. Choose the backup/enrollment method. The free path typically requires linking your Microsoft login and using cloud backup. Add the device when prompted to receive Extended Security Updates.

Notes and caveats:

• The free ESU option often links your local account to a Microsoft account and uses OneDrive’s 5 GB free storage. You can toggle what to back up (Documents, Pictures, Videos) under Settings > OneDrive to stay under the free limit.
• Availability and specific requirements can vary by region (the free path is reported to be available for many US users; European users may have different terms).
• ESU is a temporary extension — you’ll still need a long-term plan to move to a supported OS within the year.

For official lifecycle details, see Microsoft’s Windows 10 lifecycle page: Windows 10 Home & Pro lifecycle. For the original walkthrough and screenshots, you can read the full article here (opens in a new tab): Engadget: How to get an extra year of Windows 10 security updates.

Discussion: Will you enroll in ESU, upgrade to Windows 11, or replace your PC? Share your plan and any concerns below.