How to get free Windows 10 security patches until October 2027 - and avoid the $30 fee
Summary
Microsoft has extended free security updates for Windows 10 PCs until October 12, 2027, two years beyond the original end-of-support date. This Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, initially priced at \$30, now offers free enrollment options for personal devices running Windows 10, version 22H2 (Home, Pro, Pro Education, Workstation editions) with the latest cumulative update. Users can activate ESU by signing in with a Microsoft account and either using Windows Backup to sync settings to the cloud or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. This eligibility can be applied to as many as 10 PCs per account. Customers in the 30 European Economic Area (EEA) countries automatically qualify for free ESU without a Microsoft account. Enterprise and Education editions, or PCs on managed business networks, are ineligible for free ESU and face commercial pricing starting at \$61 per device annually.
Key takeaway
For IT professionals managing personal Windows 10 devices, you can secure free Extended Security Updates until October 2027. If your users are on Home, Pro, Pro Education, or Workstation editions, guide them to enroll via Windows Update, using a Microsoft account and either Windows Backup or Microsoft Rewards points. Be aware that enterprise devices or those on managed networks are not eligible for these free options and will require paid commercial ESU subscriptions.
Key insights
Windows 10 users can get free security updates until October 2027 via ESU enrollment, avoiding the \$30 fee.
Principles
- Personal ESU requires Microsoft account activation.
- EEA customers get automatic free ESU.
- Business ESU incurs significant costs.
Method
Enroll via Windows Update settings, sign in with a Microsoft account, and either use Windows Backup or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
In practice
- Sync settings with Windows Backup for free ESU.
- Earn 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points for ESU.
- Avoid OneDrive data sync if storage is limited.
Topics
- Windows 10 ESU
- Security Updates
- Microsoft Accounts
- Windows Backup
- Microsoft Rewards
- European Economic Area
Best for: IT Professional
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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET.