In case you missed it, Microsoft has officially ended support for the operating system. Your computer will continue to function, but it will no longer receive the vital security patches that defend against new online threats, leaving it exposed to online threats.
To maintain a secure machine, users generally have three options to choose from. You can check if your device is eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11. Alternatively, you could purchase a new computer that comes with a modern OS. However, a third option lets you postpone the decision, and it is now available for free in many situations.
This solution is the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. While Microsoft initially indicated this extra year of protection would cost $30, a new method allows users to enroll without paying.
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If you want to stick with Windows 10 a bit longer safely, follow these steps to activate the free ESU offering.
Step 1: Install all Pending updates
First, ensure your copy of Windows 10 is fully updated. Navigate to Settings, select Update & Security, and then click on Windows Update to download and install any available patches.
Step 2: Use an Administrator Account
You must be logged into a user account that has administrator privileges on the computer. This is typically the main account used to set up the device.
Step 3: Check for a Windows 11 upgrade
It is wise to first confirm if your PC can run Windows 11. If your system is compatible, the update is free and is the most straightforward way to stay secure. If an upgrade is not an option, proceed with the ESU enrollment.
Step 4: Begin the ESU enrollment
Open your Settings menu and go to Update & Security. Here, you should see an “Enroll Now” option. Clicking this will start the process. If the link is not visible, return to Step 1 and make sure every last update is installed.
Step 5: Link a Microsoft Account for free access
Take note that the free access requires you to connect your Windows sign-in to a Microsoft account. Many people already have this if they use services like OneDrive or Microsoft 365. If you have deliberately used only an offline account, connecting to the cloud is the condition for receiving the free security updates.
Be aware that this links your device to Microsoft’s ecosystem and includes a free 5GB OneDrive storage. If you have more than 5GB of data to back up, you would need a paid subscription. You can adjust which folders are synced in the OneDrive settings to stay within the free tier.
After you sign in, a confirmation message will appear asking to “Add this device to receive Extended Security Updates.” Select “Add Device” to complete the enrollment.
With that, you are finished. Your Windows 10 computer will now continue to get important security updates for another year, buying you time to plan your next upgrade.