As Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, Microsoft has introduced new options for users to continue receiving critical security updates without immediately upgrading to Windows 11 or purchasing expensive subscriptions. The company's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program now offers multiple pathways for consumers to maintain their system security for an additional year.
Free Enrollment Options Replace Paid Subscriptions
Microsoft initially planned to charge USD 30 for a one-year Extended Security Updates subscription, but has since introduced free alternatives for personal users. The company recognized that millions of Windows 10 PCs cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware compatibility requirements, particularly the TPM 2.0 chip requirement. Rather than forcing users into immediate hardware purchases, Microsoft now offers three distinct paths: using Windows Backup to sync settings to the cloud, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or paying the original USD 30 fee.
ESU Program Pricing Comparison
| User Type | Cost | Duration | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer (Paid) | USD 30 | 1 year | Up to 10 PCs per Microsoft account |
| Consumer (Free - Backup) | Free | 1 year | Requires Windows Backup usage |
| Consumer (Free - Rewards) | 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points | 1 year | Equivalent to ~USD 1 value |
| Enterprise (Year 1) | USD 61 per device | 1 year | Volume licensing required |
| Enterprise (Year 2) | USD 122 per device | 1 year | Doubles from previous year |
| Enterprise (Year 3) | USD 244 per device | 1 year | Doubles from previous year |
Eligibility Requirements and Restrictions
The free ESU program applies specifically to Windows 10 version 22H2 running Home, Professional, Pro Education, and Workstation editions with August 2025 or later updates installed. Enterprise and Education editions remain excluded from the consumer program. Additionally, PCs joined to Active Directory domains, Entra ID, or managed through Mobile Device Management software cannot access these personal-use subscriptions. Users must sign in with administrator privileges and link their subscription to a Microsoft account, which can then cover up to 10 devices.
Windows 10 ESU Eligibility Requirements
- Windows 10 version 22H2 (Home, Pro, Pro Education, Workstation editions)
- August 2025 or later updates installed
- Administrator account access required
- Microsoft account for subscription linking
- Cannot be domain-joined (Active Directory/Entra ID)
- Cannot be MDM-managed (Intune, etc.)
- Available in select markets only
- Personal use restriction for free options
Windows Backup Option Comes with Storage Limitations
The Windows Backup route offers the simplest path to free updates, but includes potential complications. This option automatically syncs personal data to OneDrive cloud storage, which provides only 5GB of free space by default. Users with substantial amounts of data may quickly exhaust this allocation unless they subscribe to Microsoft 365 or purchase additional storage. The backup process covers system settings and personal files, making it a comprehensive but potentially costly solution for users with large data libraries.
Microsoft Rewards Points Provide Alternative Path
For users preferring not to use cloud backup, accumulating 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points presents a viable alternative. These points, worth approximately USD 1 when converted to gift cards, can be earned through various Microsoft services. The Bing mobile app alone provides 500 points for two days of use, while additional points come from search-based activities, quizzes, and other engagement tasks on the Microsoft Rewards platform. This option requires minimal time investment and avoids the storage complications of the backup method.
Microsoft Rewards Points Earning Methods
- Bing mobile app download and 2-day usage: 500 points
- Daily search activities: 100-200 points per day
- Quizzes and polls on Microsoft Rewards site: Variable points
- Edge browser usage with Microsoft account: Ongoing points
- Total needed for free ESU: 1,000 points
- Approximate cash value: USD 1 (when redeemed for gift cards)
Business Users Face Higher Costs
While consumers enjoy these free options, enterprise customers must pay significantly more for extended support. Commercial ESU subscriptions start at USD 61 per device annually through Microsoft's Volume Licensing Program or Cloud Service Provider partners. These business rates double each subsequent year, potentially reaching USD 244 per device by the third year. This pricing structure clearly incentivizes organizations to migrate to Windows 11 or newer hardware rather than maintaining legacy systems.
Security Implications and Timeline Considerations
The ESU program provides critical security patches from October 15, 2025, through October 13, 2026, offering a one-year buffer for users planning their next steps. However, this represents only a temporary solution rather than a long-term strategy. Users can enroll at any point during this period, with even late October 2025 registration still providing access to November's Patch Tuesday updates. The program specifically targets security vulnerabilities rather than feature updates, maintaining system stability without introducing new functionality.
Long-term Planning Beyond Extended Support
Microsoft's ESU program serves as a bridge rather than a permanent solution for Windows 10 users. The company continues promoting Windows 11 upgrades, new PC purchases, and cloud-based alternatives like Windows 365. For users whose hardware cannot support Windows 11, this one-year extension provides time to evaluate alternatives including new hardware purchases, migration to different operating systems like macOS, ChromeOS Flex, or various Linux distributions. The temporary nature of this support emphasizes the importance of developing a concrete transition plan during the extended support period.