Microsoft will extend a year of additional Windows 10 security updates to any users who opt into Windows Backup, a relatively recent Windows 10 and Windows 11 app that backs up some settings and files using a Microsoft account. Users can also opt into ESU updates by spending 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, which are handed out for everything from making purchases with your Microsoft account to doing Bing searches.
These offers don’t formally extend the end-of-support date for Windows 10. But for users who don’t want to move to Windows 11 or who can’t do so because their PC doesn’t meet the requirements, they do effectively offer an additional year of free updates for the OS that’s still installed on a slim majority of the world’s Windows PCs, according to Statcounter data.
The previous option (still available) is to pay $30 for the extended security updates.
Thanks for the info. I’m assuming Windows Backup is not free. Right now I don’t have time to dig into this.
My laptop (an older HP Elitebook) is not able to use win11 so I’ve bought a newer one that has it. I’m going to use this one for other projects (amateur music things mainly) and just keep it off line.
And I don’t want to pay 30 bucks for another year of updates. My thinking is if they can provide it at all, then they could provide it for free.
Ha! I just finally got around to building a new media server PC this weekend, so I could get Windows 11. My friend in IT said “You don’t have to scramble, Microsoft will probably extend the life of Windows 10 a little longer, they always do.”
Seems like neither of us saw this plan coming. This paying for an extension is a new twist!
I have a Windows 10 laptop that I use when traveling. I planned to replace it but it’s an ultrabook, so ligher than most cheap laptops. So I will probably delay buying a new one for a while.
I’m not planning to pay to continue to use Win-10, although it is tempting. My wife’s last computer came with 11 installed and I don’t care for the differences.
Incidentally, for some reason, MS has me down as a minor and wants my guardian’s approval for me to sign in to an MS account. I have no idea how to disabuse them of that notion, but they will not budge.
How to Add Windows Backup
Open Settings → Go to Accounts > Windows backup.
Sign in with your Microsoft account (e.g., @outlook.com).
Choose what to back up:
Folders (Desktop, Documents, Pictures, etc.)
Settings (like themes, Wi-Fi, language preferences)
Apps (if supported)
Toggle on the items you want to back up.
Your data is backed up to OneDrive.
You can also access it by typing “Windows Backup” in the Start menu.
This automatically enrolls your PC in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program through October 2026
You get 5 GB of OneDrive storage with your Microsoft account. This means that if you do a selection such that you will limit yourself to under 5 GB then it is free; but if you want to use more storage then there are fees. If you want additional advice about what to select to stay under 5 GB ask Copilot. Obviously you don’t want to choose videos for example.
Well, dang! When Microsoft takes over the world, you won’t be able to buy booze, tobacco products, or go to R-rated movies.
Oh, I’m 100% positive of this. You are doomed. It would be easier to change your name and get a new social security number. I understand you can buy those someplace…
This ESU has not shown up in my update section yet - are they rolling it out slowly? I wanted to buy the $30 a year option but no idea how to do it. And I cannot figure out to do the back up.
Actually it took about 4 times but I think I got the back up working. Frustrating. So hopefully the ESU will work.
I’m planning on buying a Windows 11 laptop sometime this summer but wanted to have this old computer working safely until I get everything in place.
I have an old laptop running W10 and according to the update system it is not capable of running W11. I don’t really use it for anything but playing an online game, so I’m not that worried about updates and security. There aren’t any personal files on it, just what’s needed to run the game.