Microsoft on Tuesday introduced that it is extending Home windows 10 Prolonged Safety Updates (ESU) for an additional 12 months by letting customers both pay a small price of $30 or by sync their PC settings to the cloud.
The event comes forward of the tech large’s upcoming October 14, 2025, deadline, when it plans to formally finish assist and cease offering safety updates for gadgets working Home windows 10. The desktop working system was launched in July 2015.
The Home windows maker describes ESU as a “final resort possibility” for purchasers who have to run legacy Microsoft software program that has reached end-of-life (EoL) standing. That is meant to be a brief resolution whereas migrating to a more recent supported platform.
As a part of the brand new enrollment choices introduced by Microsoft, people can opt-in to this system from their private Home windows 10 PC via an “enrollment wizard” obtainable within the Settings app. Customers can select one of many three choices –
- Use Home windows Backup to sync your settings to the cloud (at no extra value)
- Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards factors (at no extra value)
- Pay $30 (native pricing might change)
As soon as the suitable possibility is chosen, customers’ PCs will likely be robotically enrolled into this system. ESU protection for Home windows 10 gadgets runs from October 15, 2025, to October 13, 2026.
The enrollment wizard is at the moment obtainable within the Home windows Insider Program, and is anticipated to be rolled out to Home windows 10 prospects in July, with expanded availability set for mid-August.
It is value noting that ESUs don’t cowl new options, non-security updates, or design change requests. One other key facet to consider is that utilizing Microsoft Rewards or Home windows Backup requires customers to enroll in a Microsoft account, if they do not have it already.
“People or organizations who elect to proceed utilizing Home windows 10 after assist ends on October 14, 2025, may have the choice of enrolling their PCs right into a paid ESU subscription,” Microsoft notes.
“The ESU program allows PCs to proceed to obtain crucial and vital safety updates via an annual subscription service after assist ends.”
