How to Get 12 More Months of Security for Windows 10 with Extended Security Updates (ESU)

Microsoft moved Windows 10 to end-of-life on October 14, which means PCs running Windows 10 will stop receiving routine security updates by default. You still have three main options: upgrade to Windows 11 (if your PC is compatible), buy a new device with Windows 11, or enroll in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) to get another year of security patches.

ESU can be a practical stopgap if you can’t or don’t want to move to Windows 11 right away. Microsoft previously tied paid options to ESU, but users in the US now have a free route that requires linking the device to a Microsoft cloud account and performing a backup step.

• Upgrade to Windows 11: If your PC meets the requirements, this is the simplest long-term fix. Check compatibility at Microsoft’s Windows 11 page.
• Buy a new PC: New machines come with Windows 11 preinstalled and remain supported for years.
• Enroll in ESU (12-month extension): Go to Settings > Update & Security and look for an “Enroll now” or ESU option. You’ll need to be signed in with an administrator account and may be asked to back up your device to a Microsoft cloud account.

Quick steps to enroll in ESU:

1. Install all available Windows 10 updates and confirm your current version under Settings > System > About.
2. Sign in as an Administrator (Settings > Your Info).
3. If offered, upgrade to Windows 11. If not, choose the ESU enrollment flow under Settings > Update & Security > Enroll now.
4. Back up your device to a Microsoft account (the free route in the US links your device to the cloud). Note: the free backup covers up to 5 GB on OneDrive—larger backups may require a paid OneDrive plan.
5. After adding the device, you should see confirmation that it will receive Extended Security Updates for one year.

Important considerations:

• The free ESU route in the US requires a cloud-linked Microsoft account; local-only accounts typically won’t qualify for the free path.
• OneDrive’s free 5 GB cap can be worked around by deselecting large folders (Documents, Pictures, Videos) during backup setup if you want to stay under the limit.
• ESU is a temporary measure — plan for a long-term solution (upgrade or new hardware) before the extension ends.

For official details on Windows 10 end of support and extended updates, see Microsoft’s lifecycle pages: Windows 10 end of support and Extended Security Updates (ESU).

This summary is based on recent reporting and Microsoft guidance; if you want a step-by-step visual walkthrough, the Explaining Computers YouTube channel and various tech outlets have demonstrations of the ESU enrollment flow.

Discussion: Are you going to upgrade to Windows 11, buy new hardware, or use ESU to buy time? Share your plan and any questions below.