How Can You Get Free Windows 10 Security Updates After Microsoft Stops Support?

What's the Hidden Cost of Microsoft's 'Free' Windows 10 Extended Security Updates?

I need to help you understand what Microsoft is doing with Windows 10 support. This affects millions of people who use Windows 10 every day.

Microsoft plans to stop supporting Windows 10 in October 2025. That means no more security updates or fixes. But they created something called Extended Security Updates (ESU) to give you more time.

What Are Extended Security Updates?

ESU gives you extra security updates after Microsoft stops regular support. For regular users like you and me, we get one more year of updates. Businesses can get up to three years if they pay more each year.

This is the first time Microsoft offered this option to home users. Before, only businesses could buy extended support.

Your Three Options to Get ESU

Microsoft announced three ways you can get these extended updates:

Option 1: Pay $30

You can pay $30 in your local currency to get the extra year of updates. This is straightforward but costs money.

Option 2: Use Windows Backup

You can sync your settings to Microsoft's cloud using Windows Backup. This means your files and settings get stored online with Microsoft.

Option 3: Use Microsoft Rewards Points

You need 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. You earn these points by searching on Bing, buying things from Microsoft, or doing special tasks. You need a Microsoft account to earn points.

The Catch You Need to Know

Here's what Microsoft doesn't make obvious: all three options require a Microsoft account. You can't get ESU without giving Microsoft access to your data or activities.

If you choose Windows Backup, Microsoft gets to store your personal settings and files on their servers. If you use Rewards points, Microsoft tracks your searches and purchases. Even if you pay $30, you still need a Microsoft account.

Timeline for Getting ESU

The rollout happens in stages:

• Right now: Windows Insiders can sign up
• July 2025: Regular Windows 10 users can join
• August 2025: Everyone can access it

Once you pick an option and follow the steps, your computer gets enrolled automatically. Microsoft promises updates until October 13, 2026.

What About Businesses?

Companies pay much more. They need to spend $61 per device for the first year. The price goes up each year if they want to keep getting updates for three years total.

Cloud and virtual systems get enrolled automatically without extra costs.

Other Microsoft Products

Microsoft 365 apps (like Word and Excel) will get security updates until October 2028. But new features stop coming in August 2026.

Microsoft Defender antivirus also gets updates until October 2028 to keep protecting your computer.

Alternative Options

If you need support longer than one year, a company called 0Patch offers updates until at least 2030. This is a third-party service, not from Microsoft.

What This Means for You

Microsoft is pushing you toward their ecosystem. They want you to use their cloud services, search engine, or pay money. There's no truly "free" option that doesn't involve Microsoft getting something from you.

The Windows Backup option might seem free, but you're trading your privacy and data for those updates. The Rewards points option requires you to change your search habits to Bing and make purchases through Microsoft.

If you value your privacy and don't want Microsoft tracking your activities, paying the $30 might be your best choice. But remember, you still need a Microsoft account even if you pay.

My Recommendation

I suggest you decide based on what matters most to you:

• If privacy is important, pay the $30 but understand you still need a Microsoft account
• If you already use Microsoft services heavily, the Rewards points option works well
• If you don't mind Microsoft storing your data, Windows Backup gives you the updates plus cloud storage

Consider upgrading to Windows 11 if your computer supports it. This gives you longer support without these complications.

The key thing is understanding that Microsoft designed these options to benefit their business model, not just help you. Make your choice knowing what you're giving up in return.