In case you haven’t heard, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on October 14. Microsoft will stop releasing security patches and feature updates — which is serious news if you’re still using an older computer.
While newer PCs and laptops that meet Windows 11 requirements can upgrade for free, many older systems won’t have the necessary hardware. You can continue using Windows 10 after October 14, but it will no longer receive important security updates, leaving your device more vulnerable to cyber threats. Industry research suggests that hundreds of millions of Windows 10 users could face increased risks once official support ends.
Microsoft is offering an option called the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for those who need more time. Participants can receive an extra year of security updates by either paying $30 or agreeing to back up their data to Microsoft’s cloud servers. This gives users some flexibility, but it also requires either a financial cost or a willingness to store personal data online.
If you prefer not to pay, there is a free enrollment option through Microsoft’s backup system. To join the ESU program, first ensure your PC is fully updated. Open the Settings menu, select System, then About, and confirm that you’re running the latest version of Windows 10.
Next, verify that you’re signed in with an administrator account by checking under Your Info in Settings.
Then, go to Update & Security. If your system is up to date, you should see an option to enroll in Extended Security Updates.
For the free plan, choose to back up your PC settings to Microsoft’s cloud service. Note that the free storage limit is 5GB — if you exceed that, you may need to purchase additional space. You can adjust which data gets backed up by visiting the OneDrive section within Settings.
Once ready, sign in and follow the on-screen instructions to add your device to the ESU program. After enrolling, you’ll receive updates for another 12 months, giving you time to transition to a newer computer or upgrade to Windows 11 when ready.
If you plan to move on to a new system, consider upgrading to a modern Windows 11 laptop. Options range from premium models known for their portability and battery life to affordable devices that still deliver excellent everyday performance.
