How Can You Keep Windows 10 Secure After Microsoft Ends Support in 2025?

What's the Secret Method to Extend Windows 10 Security Updates for Free?

Microsoft has introduced a new tool that lets Windows 10 users extend their security support for free after the official end-of-life date. I've tested this enrollment feature firsthand, and I want to share what I discovered about how it works and what you need to know.

What Happens After October 14, 2025

Windows 10 reaches its end of support on October 14, 2025. But here's the good news: you don't have to upgrade to Windows 11 or lose security updates immediately. Microsoft created the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to bridge this gap.

The ESU tool extends your Windows 10 security support until October 13, 2026. That gives you an extra year to decide your next move. During my testing, I found the enrollment process takes just seconds to complete.

How the Free ESU Tool Works

I gained early access to this feature through the Windows Insider Program. The enrollment button appears in two locations within Windows Update:

1. On the right side of the Windows Update page
2. Below the "Check for updates" button (on some installations)

When you click "Enroll now," a pop-up window opens with the title "Enroll in Extended Security Updates." The system then runs an automatic check to verify your eligibility.

Three Ways to Qualify for Free ESU

Microsoft offers three pathways to extend your Windows 10 support:

Option 1: Microsoft Account Connection

Link your local PC to a Microsoft account. This is the most straightforward method I tested.

Option 2: Microsoft Rewards Points

Own a Microsoft Rewards account with 1,000 points. This option lets you skip the Microsoft account requirement entirely.

Option 3: Paid Extension

Pay $30 to keep using Windows 10 safely with a local account. However, during my testing, this payment option wasn't functional yet.

What I Learned During Testing

The enrollment wizard guides you through each step. If you haven't linked a Microsoft account, you'll see an alert prompting you to do so. Alternatively, you can visit the Microsoft Rewards page to check your points balance.

Once you meet the requirements, a success screen confirms your enrollment. I noticed that your ESU license becomes tied to your Microsoft account, not your specific device.

Important licensing details I discovered:

• You cannot transfer your license to other devices
• Multiple PCs can have separate ESU licenses under the same Microsoft account
• You need a valid Windows 10 base license to use ESU

Current Availability and Rollout

Right now, this feature only works for Windows Insider Program participants. It doesn't matter whether you're in the Beta or Release Preview Ring - any Insider can test it.

Microsoft plans to roll out the enrollment feature to all Windows 10 users in the coming weeks. You won't need to join the Insider Program to access the "Enroll now" button once it becomes widely available.

What Microsoft Isn't Telling You

During my testing, I noticed something interesting. The enrollment process doesn't mention the October 13, 2026 end date for the ESU program. This suggests Microsoft hopes users will transition to Windows 11 during this extended period.

However, I doubt most users will upgrade unless there's a compelling reason. Many PCs that run Windows 10 perfectly well don't meet Windows 11's strict hardware requirements.

My Recommendations

If you're planning to stay on Windows 10 beyond October 2025, I recommend:

• Enroll as soon as the feature becomes available - Don't wait until the last minute
• Link a Microsoft account now - This is the easiest qualification method
• Consider your long-term strategy - Use this extra year to plan your next move
• Keep your current setup - You don't need Windows 11-compatible hardware for ESU

The ESU enrollment tool provides a practical solution for users who aren't ready to upgrade. Based on my testing experience, it's a straightforward process that takes minimal effort to complete.