Microsoft Offers Free Windows 10 Security Updates Until 2026 – With Conditions
▼ Summary
– Microsoft initially offered a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 10 at $30 per PC, providing one additional year of security updates.
– Microsoft now offers free ESU updates for a year if users opt into Windows Backup or spend 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
– These options do not extend Windows 10’s official end-of-support date but provide temporary relief for users unable or unwilling to upgrade to Windows 11.
– Microsoft will proactively notify Windows 10 users about the ESU program via Settings and notifications, with testing starting in the Insider Preview channel.
– Consumer PCs enrolled in ESU will receive updates until October 13, 2026, while businesses must pay for extended support, and Microsoft 365 will remain compatible until 2028.
Microsoft has unveiled new ways for Windows 10 users to receive free security updates beyond the operating system’s official end-of-support date in 2025. While the company previously required a $30 fee for extended protection, it now offers alternative methods to secure an additional year of critical patches at no cost, with certain conditions.
Users who prefer the paid route can still opt for the Extended Security Update (ESU) program, which provides one extra year of security fixes for $30 per device. However, Microsoft is introducing two free alternatives: enrolling in Windows Backup or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. Windows Backup, available on both Windows 10 and 11, syncs settings and files via a Microsoft account, while Rewards points can be earned through activities like Bing searches or purchases.
This move doesn’t change Windows 10’s official retirement date of October 14, 2025. But for millions still relying on the OS, especially those unable to upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations, it effectively extends security coverage until October 2026. Statcounter data shows Windows 10 remains the dominant version globally, making this a significant reprieve for users hesitant to transition.
Microsoft plans to notify eligible devices through the Settings app and system alerts, streamlining enrollment without requiring manual searches. Testing begins immediately in the Windows Insider Preview channel, with broader rollout starting in July and completing by mid-August. Once activated, consumer PCs will receive updates until October 13, 2026.
Businesses and institutions aren’t eligible for the free extension, they must pay for up to three years of ESU access. Meanwhile, Microsoft 365 and standalone Office apps will continue supporting Windows 10 until 2028, ensuring productivity tools remain functional even after security updates cease.
By offering flexible options, Microsoft aims to ease the transition for users while maintaining security for its aging but still widely used platform. The approach balances corporate priorities with consumer needs, providing temporary relief without indefinitely prolonging Windows 10’s lifecycle.
(Source: Ars Technica)
