# Microsoft extends free Windows 10 security updates into 2026, with strings attached

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached/1020084>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Created:** [June 24, 2025, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached/1020084 "2025-06-24T17:35:30Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\
**Post date:** [June 24, 2025, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached/1020084/1 "2025-06-24T17:35:30Z")

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> Microsoft will extend a year of additional Windows 10 security updates to any users who opt into [Windows Backup](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/back-up-and-restore-with-windows-backup-87a81f8a-78fa-456e-b521-ac0560e32338#id0ebh=windows_10), 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](https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/rewards/about), 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](https://gs.statcounter.com/windows-version-market-share/desktop/worldwide/).

> **[Microsoft extends free Windows 10 security updates into 2026, with strings...](https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/06/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached/)**
>
> End-of-support date isn’t changing, but extra year will be functionally free.

The previous option (still available) is to pay $30 for the extended security updates.

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**Author:** ![I.Dunno](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9f8e36/32.png) [@I.Dunno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I.Dunno)\
**Post date:** [June 24, 2025, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached/1020084/2 "2025-06-24T18:56:20Z")

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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.

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**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\
**Post date:** [June 24, 2025, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached/1020084/3 "2025-06-24T19:01:36Z")

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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!

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**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\
**Post date:** [June 24, 2025, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached/1020084/4 "2025-06-24T19:35:59Z")

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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.

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**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\
**Post date:** [June 24, 2025, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached/1020084/5 "2025-06-24T19:37:12Z")

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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.

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**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\
**Post date:** [June 24, 2025, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached/1020084/6 "2025-06-24T19:40:42Z")

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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.

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**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\
**Post date:** [June 24, 2025, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached/1020084/7 "2025-06-24T21:23:19Z")

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> [@Hari\_Seldon](#):
>
> 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.

Well, dang! When Microsoft takes over the world, you won’t be able to buy booze, tobacco products, or go to R-rated movies.

> [@Hari\_Seldon](#):
>
> I have no idea how to disabuse them of that notion, but they will not budge.

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…

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**Author:** ![Ellecram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellecram/32/18948_2.png) [@Ellecram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellecram)\
**Post date:** [June 30, 2025, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached/1020084/8 "2025-06-30T22:26:35Z")

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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.

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**Author:** ![Ellecram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellecram/32/18948_2.png) [@Ellecram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellecram)\
**Post date:** [June 30, 2025, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached/1020084/9 "2025-06-30T23:02:51Z")

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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.

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**Author:** ![LurkMeister](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3da27b/32.png) [@LurkMeister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LurkMeister)\
**Post date:** [July 1, 2025, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached/1020084/10 "2025-07-01T00:02:37Z")

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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.

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**Author:** ![dougrb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/76d3ee/32.png) [@dougrb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougrb)\
**Post date:** [August 10, 2025, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached/1020084/11 "2025-08-10T15:56:38Z")

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> **[Microsoft Sued For Killing Windows 10—All Users Must Act Now](https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2025/08/10/microsoft-sued-for-killing-windows-10-all-users-must-act-now/)**
>
> Microsoft accused of putting 700 million users at risk of attack.

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**Author:** ![pjd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pjd/32/3009_2.png) [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\
**Post date:** [August 10, 2025, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached/1020084/12 "2025-08-10T17:37:29Z")

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> [@PastTense](#):
>
> This automatically enrolls your PC in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program through October 2026

Is there any way of confirming that this has happened ?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\
**Post date:** [August 10, 2025, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached/1020084/13 "2025-08-10T18:56:57Z")

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On researching this again it looks like you have to enroll manually. See this article:

> …If your PC meets those conditions, you’ll enroll in the ESU program by opening the Settings app and clicking Windows Update. You should see a status message telling you that Windows 10 updates end in October 2025, with an “enroll now” link you can click to enroll in the Extended Security Updates program.
> 
> If you’re not already signing in with a Microsoft account, you’ll be asked to use one here

[Still Using Windows 10? Here’s How to Get Another Year of Updates for Free | WIRED](https://www.wired.com/story/still-using-windows-10-heres-how-to-get-another-year-of-updates-for-free/)?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![pjd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pjd/32/3009_2.png) [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\
**Post date:** [August 10, 2025, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached/1020084/14 "2025-08-10T19:16:19Z")

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> [@PastTense](#):
>
> You should see a status message telling you that Windows 10 updates end in October 2025, with an “enroll now” link you can click to enroll in the Extended Security Updates program.

I don’t see that..  
I think I’ll need a new laptop anyway. 🙄

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**Author:** ![dougrb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/76d3ee/32.png) [@dougrb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougrb)\
**Post date:** [September 24, 2025, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached/1020084/15 "2025-09-24T00:08:09Z")

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> [@PastTense](#):
>
> On researching this again it looks like you have to enroll manually. See this article:

So you have to create a microsoft account before it will even give you the option to enroll?

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**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\
**Post date:** [September 24, 2025, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached/1020084/16 "2025-09-24T00:23:51Z")

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> [@dougrb](#):
>
> So you have to create a microsoft account before it will even give you the option to enroll?

If you own a Windows computer with Microsoft software in it, won’t you already have a Microsoft account?

Or am I missing something?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![dougrb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/76d3ee/32.png) [@dougrb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougrb)\
**Post date:** [September 24, 2025, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached/1020084/17 "2025-09-24T00:31:14Z")

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I’ve got 2 win10 computers and 2 win7 computers and not one microsoft account. I didn’t even know you NEEDED one.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\
**Post date:** [September 24, 2025, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached/1020084/18 "2025-09-24T00:44:45Z")

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Interesting… 🤷🏽‍♀️

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\
**Post date:** [September 24, 2025, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached/1020084/19 "2025-09-24T00:46:16Z")

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> [@ThelmaLou](#):
>
> If you own a Windows computer with Microsoft software in it, won’t you already have a Microsoft account?

Not necessarily. When you install Windows, it tries to make you create an account but, up through Win10, you could just click some version of “Nah, no thanks”. With Win11, you need more trickery to get past it but it’s still possible.

Provided your Windows install key is good, it’ll still activate the OS for you whether you have an account or not but Microsoft tries to make it sound as though you need to have one.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\
**Post date:** [September 24, 2025, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached/1020084/20 "2025-09-24T00:49:43Z")

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Well, dang. Ignorance mightily fought. 🙂  
Thanks.

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