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Is Your PC Still Safe with Windows 10 Extended Security Updates?
I want to help you understand Microsoft's latest clarification about Windows 10 extended security updates. This news matters if you're using an older computer that can't run Windows 11.
Microsoft just made something clear that many people were confused about. You don't need a computer that can run Windows 11 to get Windows 10's extended security updates. This is big news for anyone with older hardware.
What This Means for Your Computer
Your old computer can still get security updates even if it fails Windows 11's strict requirements. Microsoft confirmed that all PCs with genuine Windows 10 licenses qualify for Extended Security Updates (ESU). This includes computers with older processors, insufficient RAM, or missing TPM chips.
The ESU program gives your Windows 10 computer one more year of security patches after Microsoft stops regular support. Without these updates, your computer becomes vulnerable to new security threats.
Your Options as a Home User
You have three ways to get these extended updates:
Free Option with Microsoft Account: Link your computer to a Microsoft account and sync your settings to the cloud. This gives you free ESU access.
Free Option with Rewards Points: Use Microsoft Rewards points you've earned from Bing searches and other Microsoft services to pay for your ESU subscription.
Paid Option: Pay $30 for one year of extended security updates if you prefer to keep your computer local without cloud syncing.
Business Users Face Different Rules
If you run a business, your options are more limited. You can't use the free Microsoft account method or Rewards points. Instead, you must pay for ESU subscriptions that cost up to $61 per computer. Businesses also need special ESU activation keys to enable the service.
Technical Requirements You Need
Before you can use ESU, your computer needs Windows 10 version 22H2 with the KB5046613 update installed. This update is required for everyone, whether you're a home user or business owner.
After installing this update, you can purchase ESU access. The pricing stays at $30 for consumers and up to $61 for businesses.
How to Check If ESU Is Working
You can verify that your extended security updates are active using simple commands:
- First, open PowerShell or Command Prompt as an administrator and type:
slmgr.vbs /dlv
- Look for "License Status: Licensed" to confirm your Windows 10 is properly activated.
- Next, use one of these activation IDs based on which year of ESU you have:
- Year 1: f520e45e-7413-4a34-a497-d2765967d094
- Year 2: 1043add5-23b1-4afb-9a0f-64343c8f3f8d
- Year 3: 83d49986-add3-41d7-ba33-87c7bfb5c0fb
- Then run this command with your specific activation ID:
slmgr.vbs /dlv <Activation-ID>
- When this also shows "Licensed," your ESU is working correctly.
What Happens After One Year
Once your extended security updates expire, you'll need to make a decision. You can buy a new computer that meets Windows 11 requirements, or you can try upgrading your current computer to Windows 11 using workaround methods. These bypass techniques still work, though Microsoft could block them in future updates.
Current Availability
Microsoft is still testing these ESU features, so they're not available to everyone yet. The company is gradually rolling out access to more users as they refine the system.
This clarification removes uncertainty for millions of Windows 10 users with older hardware. You don't need to worry about Windows 11 compatibility requirements when getting extended security updates. Your computer just needs a genuine Windows 10 license and the required update installed.
The extended security updates program gives you breathing room to decide your next steps without leaving your computer vulnerable to security threats. Whether you choose the free options or pay the $30 fee, you can keep using your current computer safely for at least one more year.