Secure Your Windows 10 PC With These Free Updates

For the millions of users still operating on Windows 10, the official end of mainstream support from Microsoft presents a significant security challenge. While upgrading to Windows 11 or purchasing new hardware is the recommended path, many individuals find themselves unable to make that transition immediately. Fortunately, Microsoft has introduced a crucial lifeline: the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which provides continued protection for a limited time.

This program is designed as a temporary bridge, offering vital security patches for Windows 10 through October 13, 2026. Microsoft is clear that this is not a permanent solution but a measure to help users stay secure while they plan their migration to a supported platform. For anyone concerned about vulnerabilities, enrolling in the ESU program is an essential step. The standard enrollment fee is $30, but European users can enroll for free. For the rest of the world, two free options exist: using Windows Backup to sync settings to a OneDrive account or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.

To begin the enrollment process, you must first ensure your device is running the latest version of Windows 10, which is version 22H2. You can verify this by navigating to Settings, then clicking on Windows Update and selecting ‘View Update History’. Administrative privileges on the PC are also required.

Once your system is confirmed to be up to date, return to Settings and Windows Update. Look for messaging in the top right corner of the interface that states, “Windows 10 support ends in October 2025” alongside a prompt to “Enroll in Extended Security Updates to help keep your device secure.” Clicking the enrollment link beneath this text will launch a pop-up wizard. This is where you choose your enrollment method: syncing settings with OneDrive, paying the $30 fee, or using your Rewards points.

It is important to note that the enrollment option may not be visible to all users immediately. Microsoft has acknowledged they are gradually rolling out the ESU program across different markets and devices. Some users, even after installing the necessary August 2025 update (KB5063709), have reported not seeing the “Enroll now” link. A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed the company is “working to restore the availability of the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program in a subset of markets,” so patience may be required.

For those seeking a free enrollment path, the two primary methods involve OneDrive synchronization or Microsoft Rewards. Unless you have a large balance of Rewards points, the most straightforward free method is to use Windows Backup. This feature, typically used for transferring files to a new PC, will sync your settings to a OneDrive account linked to your Microsoft account.

During the enrollment wizard, you will be presented with three choices. To proceed without cost, select the first option, “Back up your PC settings,” and click ‘Next’ to initiate the sync process. One potential consideration with this method is OneDrive’s storage limit. Microsoft provides only 5GB of free storage, so if you have a substantial amount of data to back up, you might encounter space limitations that could necessitate a paid storage plan.

After a remarkable ten-year run, the era of Windows 10 is definitively winding down, with no updates expected after 2026. For the sizable portion of the user base not yet prepared to adopt Windows 11, Microsoft’s free ESU program offers a valuable and welcome stopgap, providing essential security during this transitional period.

(Source: ZDNET)