Windows 10 ESU (Extended Security Updates) for personal devices begin today, covering October 15, 2025 through October 13, 2026 so non‑upgraded PCs can keep receiving monthly security updates for one year after end of support. Enrollment appears via Windows Update notifications and in Settings with three options: use Windows Backup to sync, redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or pay a one‑time $30 fee.
Windows 10 ESU: What changed
Microsoft’s consumer Windows 10 ESU window is now active, delivering monthly critical and important security updates to eligible Windows 10 PCs from Oct 15, 2025 through Oct 13, 2026. This is a bridge for users who aren’t ready or able to move to Windows 11 immediately, ensuring security coverage after Windows 10’s official end of support on Oct 14, 2025.
Who qualifies
Individuals running Windows 10 on personal devices can enroll from within Windows Update using the new ESU enrollment wizard exposed by notifications and the Settings app path. ESU provides security updates only and does not include new features or design changes, aligning with Microsoft’s documentation about the program scope.
Users can choose one of three enrollment paths inside the wizard: use Windows Backup to sync settings at no additional cost, redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points at no additional cost, or make a $30 one‑time purchase, with availability and specifics varying by region such as the EEA. The wizard appears via Windows Update notifications and the Settings interface, guiding users through option selection and confirmation once the device is ready.
How to enroll
-
Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update on your Windows 10 device to surface the ESU enrollment notification and link when eligible.
-
Select the enrollment link to launch the ESU wizard and pick an option: use Windows Backup sync, redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or pay $30.
-
Follow the on‑screen steps to complete enrollment; once done, your PC will receive monthly security updates through October 13, 2026.
What you get (and don’t)
Windows 10 ESU delivers critical and important security updates on the normal monthly cadence, extending protection for devices that remain on Windows 10 during the transition period. ESU does not include feature updates or new capabilities, and it is intended as a temporary measure while planning a move to a supported Windows release.
The most cost‑effective enrollment option is Windows Backup sync because it enrolls your device at no out‑of‑pocket cost when offered in the ESU wizard. Redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points is the next most cost‑effective since it also avoids cash payment, while the $30 purchase should be the fallback if neither free path is available in your region or scenario.
Most cost‑effective option
- Windows Backup sync: no cash cost when presented in the ESU wizard, making it the best value for most users.
- Microsoft Rewards redemption: no cash cost but uses 1,000 points, which is still typically more economical than paying $30 outright.
- One‑time purchase: $30, recommended only if the free options are not available or suitable for your device and region
Same benefits, different paths
All three options deliver the same result: your Windows 10 device receives monthly critical and important security updates through October 13, 2026 once enrollment is complete. ESU is security‑only and does not add features or design changes, so choose the least‑cost path while planning your transition to a supported Windows release.
Regional notes
Availability and presentation of each option can vary by market, including the EEA, so the ESU wizard may surface different choices depending on your locale and eligibility. If a free option isn’t shown for your device, the paid route may be the only path available in your region.
What to do now
Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and look for the ESU enrollment prompt, then launch the wizard and select the free option offered on your device first. Confirm enrollment and verify that Windows Update resumes delivering monthly security patches through the program’s end date in 2026.
Why this matters now
With Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, unprotected devices face increasing exposure to vulnerabilities without ongoing patches, making ESU a practical safety net while upgrading plans are finalized. For many older PCs that can’t meet Windows 11 requirements yet, ESU provides an extra year of security coverage to maintain essential protection.
Quick FAQs
- Can anyone on Windows 10 enroll? Yes—personal devices running Windows 10 can enroll directly from Settings when the ESU wizard appears, subject to regional variations and prerequisites noted by Microsoft.
- Will ESU add new features? No—ESU is strictly for security updates, and Microsoft advises planning a transition to a supported Windows release during this period.
- How long does coverage last? ESU coverage for personal devices runs from October 15, 2025 through October 13, 2026 once enrollment is completed.
With ESU now live, the safest move for Windows 10 holdouts is to enroll immediately via the in‑OS wizard so your device keeps receiving monthly patches through October 13, 2026 while you finalize a long‑term upgrade plan.
Windows 10 ESU is a temporary, security‑only bridge—no features, no design changes—so prioritize mapping a path to a supported Windows release to remain compliant and fully protected after the coverage window closes following Windows 10’s end of support on October 14, 2025.
Choose the enrollment route that fits your situation—Windows Backup sync, 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or a $30 purchase—confirm updates are flowing in Windows Update, and set a reminder to complete your Windows 11 migration before ESU expires.
About The Author
Discover more from Microsoft News Now
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
