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Is Windows 10 PC Doomed After 2025? How to Get Critical Security Updates.
Microsoft will stop providing free security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. This date marks the official end of support for the popular operating system. Your computer will not stop working on that day, but it will become vulnerable to new security risks like viruses and malware. To help, Microsoft created the Extended Security Update (ESU) program, giving you a way to keep your PC safe for a little longer.
What are Extended Security Updates?
Think of the ESU program as a paid lifeline for your computer. When you join, your Windows 10 PC will continue to get important security patches for one additional year, until October 2026. This service is designed to protect you from security threats, but it does not include any new features, design changes, or technical help from Microsoft support. The main goal is simply to give you more time before you need to upgrade to a new system. For home users, this is a one-time, one-year extension.
Is Your Computer Eligible for ESU?
Before you can sign up, you need to make sure your computer meets a few requirements. This can be a frustrating part of the process, but checking these things first will save you time.
- Correct Windows Version: Your PC must be running Windows 10, version 22H2. This is the final version of Windows 10.
- Fully Updated: You need to have all the latest Windows updates installed before the October 2025 deadline.
- Microsoft Account: You must use a Microsoft account to log into your computer. This account must also be an administrator on the PC. A local account that is not connected to Microsoft will not work for the ESU program.
How to Get ESU and What It Costs
Microsoft offers a few ways to enroll in the ESU program, and you can choose the one that works best for you. The enrollment window began opening for users in the summer of 2025.
To sign up, you will go to Settings, then Update & Security, and finally Windows Update. If your PC is eligible, you should see a link that says “Enroll now”. Clicking this link will guide you through the options:
- Pay a Fee: The most direct option is to pay a one-time fee of $30 for the year of updates.
- Use Microsoft Rewards: If you have at least 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, you can redeem them for the ESU license at no cost.
- Sync Your Settings: You can also get the updates for free by agreeing to sync your computer’s settings using Windows Backup, which connects to your OneDrive account. Be aware that a free Microsoft account includes 5GB of storage, and you may need to buy more space if your backup is larger.
An amazing benefit of the ESU program is that a single license covers up to ten devices. If you enroll one computer using your Microsoft account, you can add nine more of your personal PCs to the program without paying again.
What Are the Alternatives to ESU?
The ESU program is a temporary fix. If you’re looking for a long-term solution, you have other choices.
Upgrade to Windows 11
This is the path Microsoft recommends. If your computer is compatible, upgrading to Windows 11 will ensure you receive regular security and feature updates for years to come.
Use a Third-Party Service
Companies like ACROS Security offer a service called 0patch. It uses small “micropatches” to fix security holes in Windows 10 and promises to provide protection for up to five years after support ends. This is a paid service, with an annual fee for each computer.
Do Nothing
Using your PC after October 14, 2025, without any security updates is not recommended. It leaves your personal information, like passwords and bank details, exposed to hackers and new viruses.