How to get one more year of Windows 10 security updates (ESU guide)
Microsoft has moved Windows 10 to “end of life,” which means the OS will stop receiving security updates by default. If you’re not ready or able to move to Windows 11, Extended Security Updates (ESU) offer another 12 months of protection so your PC isn’t left exposed.
You have three main paths:
- 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 another year of security patches.
ESU can be a simple way to buy time. Here’s a concise how-to:
- Step 1 — Update Windows 10: Go to Settings > System > About to check your version, then install any pending Windows updates.
- Step 2 — Sign in as an administrator: Ensure you’re using an admin account (Settings > Your info).
- Step 3 — Check Windows 11 eligibility: If you see an option to upgrade to Windows 11, that’s the recommended route.
- Step 4 — Enroll in ESU: Open Settings > Update & Security and click the Enroll now link. Follow the prompts to add your device to ESU.
- Step 5 — Choose backup & sign-in method: The free enrollment path available in many U.S. cases requires signing in with a Microsoft account and using cloud backup (OneDrive). The free option covers up to 5 GB of OneDrive storage; larger backups will require a paid OneDrive plan.
Important notes:
- The ESU free path in the U.S. links your Windows login to Microsoft’s cloud services — if you use a local account, you’ll need to sign in with a Microsoft account to take advantage of the free option.
- European users reportedly get the free ESU option with fewer restrictions.
- ESU is a one-year bridge, not a permanent solution — plan to upgrade, replace hardware, or switch platforms before ESU expires.
If you want the official Microsoft lifecycle and support details, see Microsoft Support for the latest guidance.
Want a deeper walkthrough? Look for tutorial videos that show the Enroll now flow step-by-step, and always back up your data before making system changes.
Discussion: Are you planning to upgrade to Windows 11, buy new hardware, or use the ESU extension for another year?