Urgent – Windows 10 Free Extended Security Updates

End of support for Windows 10, which is fast approaching on the 14^th October 2025, but you can enrol your Windows 10 PC to get extended security updates until the 13^th October 2026. A lot of current Windows 10 PC cannot update to the latest Windows 11, and this could give you that little extra life to your PC – or should we say, an extra 12 months of security updates – which are rather important.

Follow the steps below, I have just used this process on one of our older PCs in the office and it worked perfectly for me on the free option.

The process for signing up for Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) is primarily handled through the Windows Update settings on your PC, provided your device meets the prerequisites.

Important Prerequisites:

1. Windows Version: Your device must be running Windows 10, version 22H2 (Home, Professional, Pro Education, or Workstations edition).
   • Check by going to Settings > System > About and looking under “Windows specifications” for the “Version”.
2. Latest Updates: Ensure you have installed the latest available Windows 10 updates.
3. Administrator Account: You must be signed in with an administrator account that is linked to a Microsoft account. The ESU license is associated with this Microsoft account.

Step-by-Step Enrolment Instructions (Consumer ESU):

1. Open Windows Update Settings:
   • Go to Settings (Windows Key + I).
   • Click on Update & Security.
   • Click on Windows Update.
   • (Optional: Click “Check for updates” to ensure you have the latest prerequisites and to help the enrolment option appear.)
2. Look for the ESU Enrolment Link:
   • If your device meets the prerequisites and the enrolment feature has been rolled out to you, you should see a notification about the end of Windows 10 support and a link to enrol, often labelled:
     • “Enrol now”
     • or similar phrasing like “Enrol in Extended Security Updates to help keep your device secure.”
3. Start the Enrolment Wizard:
   • Click the “Enrol now” link. This will open the ESU enrolment wizard.
4. Sign in to your Microsoft Account (if prompted):
   • If you are signed in with a local account, or if it’s the first time, you will be prompted to sign in with your Microsoft account. This links the ESU license to that account.
5. Choose Your Enrolment Option:
   • You will be presented with options to receive the ESU. These typically include:
     • Option 1 (Often Free): Back up your PC settings using Windows Backup (which syncs settings to OneDrive). If your system detects you are already backing up your settings, you might see an “Enrol” button immediately.
     • Option 2 (Free): Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
     • Option 3 (Paid): A one-time purchase (e.g., $30 USD or local equivalent).
   • Select your preferred option and click Next.
   • Note: Users in the European Economic Area (EEA) often have a free, no-strings-attached option.
6. Complete the Process:
   • Follow the on-screen instructions specific to the option you chose (e.g., confirming the backup, redeeming rewards, or payment).
7. Finalize and Confirm:
   • Click “Done” when the process is complete.
   • To confirm enrolment, return to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. You should see a message like: “Your PC is enrolled to get Extended Security Updates.”

Note: If you do not see the “Enrol now” link, make sure you have installed all the latest Windows 10 updates and are running version 22H2. Microsoft is rolling out the enrolment feature, so it may take some time to appear on all eligible devices.