He probably has not escaped his attention that Windows 10 expire on October 14, 2025. Since, there is a short time before those who remain in the operating system without taking any measure are left without security updates. These patches are a vital protection for their system, and without them, a non -compatible version of Windows is open to new vulnerabilities and potentially compromised.
If you want to stay with Windows 10, you may not like Windows 11, or your PC cannot execute it, then there are actually some options to obtain additional support for an additional year. This will take it until October 2026, giving more space to breathe to decide the next step for your PC with Windows 10.
These options can be accessed through the extended security updates program (ESU) that Microsoft revealed at the end of last year, which is offered to consumers for the first time. (Previously, this scheme was only for companies).
You will have three options, one of which is completely free, although it has a small capture, so we review the following before addressing the problem of how it really registers in the ESU scheme (which is causing confusion to some people).
ESU 1 option: free updates through the synchronization of the PC configuration
This is the route that I will take, and I imagine that it will be the preferred option for many Windows 10 users. In this way, you do not need to pay anything for the additional support year: Microsoft only asks you to synchronize the configuration of your PC with OneDrive (through the Windows backup application).
Keep in mind that you do not have to back up all your PC data, only the configuration. I have seen some confusion about this online, with people who are not interested in ‘giving Microsoft all their data’; He is not doing this, he has the security. However, you must share the configuration of your PC, and, of course, you must register for a Microsoft account.
ESU Option 2: Use Microsoft Rewards
If you have accumulated Microsoft rewards points, which accumulate through the use of Bing or other Microsoft services, or expenses in the Microsoft store, you can use them to pay the ESU scheme. It will cost 1,000 Microsoft rewards points.
ESU OPTION 3: Pay $ 30
If you do not have Microsoft rewards points and refuses absolutely to synchronize anything with Microsoft, then the only remaining option is to pay the additional year of extended support. It will cost $ 30 or the equivalent in its local currency. Keep in mind that even if you pay extended support, you will still need a Microsoft account.
I can’t see the ESU scheme anywhere, how do I register?
It is registered in the ESU program by clicking on a link on the Windows update panel. Simply look for ‘Windows Update’ in the taskbar search box (or configuration), and when you are on the panel, you can see an option to ‘register now’ for extended security updates on the right side of the screen.
Note that I said that could See it, because here is the thing: Microsoft has only begun to implement this option at this time. As Microsoft clarified recently, it is a slow rhythm display, which means that many people still cannot see it, included (at the time of writing). However, be sure that he is arriving; You will only have to be patient.
Microsoft has promised that the ESU registration wizard will appear on all PCs with Windows 10 before the support deadline expires in mid -October. Therefore, most likely you will see it on your PC in September at some point (possibly after the update of that month). Simply continue reviewing in Windows Update and will appear eventually, or should do it, except any rarity or trap by Microsoft (which can never be completely ruled out).
Do what you do, do nothing
Be sure to know what you want to do in terms of obtaining extended updates and continues to check to register for the ESU program. Do what you do, not only stay in Windows 10 after October 2025 without updates, because as time passes, you will increasingly have a greater risk. The more months they spend, the more security holes can be revealed and remain without patches, possibly opening the door so that your PC with Windows 10 is pirate in some way.
If you do not receive extended updates for Windows 10 ordered, or you don’t like any of the options, and you don’t want to update Windows 11, then look at another platform. A flavor similar to Linux Windows could be your best option.
