Windows 10 Going on 11?

In My Humble Opinion
101

I have set up the ESU on my computers now. I had a really esoteric way for my first computer, but it’s now been made easier to force enable. The only requirement is a Microsoft Account. However, you can still use a local account. You just need to be logged in in the Microsoft Store.

From there you can use this software to force enable ESU updates.

Unzip the folder and then run the .run.cmd file as Administrator.

102

When I have to go to 11, my password will be LickMyLovePump

103

Oh, what a coincidence; that was also Microsoft’s prerelease codename for Windows 11.

104

I just realized my pervious post doesn’t mention that this is how I am staying on Windows 10, and what I recommend for anyone not interested in 11.

That may be obvious if you recognize the acronym ESU from earlier in the thread, but I usually like my posts to be more clear than that.

The only requirement is a Microsoft account, and by that I mean a web account: you can still use a local Windows account.

105

I paid a while ago the ~$30 or whatever to extend Windows updates through Oct 2026 (I might not be remembering correctly-- I’m in denial about this whole thing :see_no_evil_monkey:). Just putting off the decision about getting a new computer.

Lo and behold, I got this email today:

Update: Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU)

Stay secure for another year

Your Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) protection has been extended
We understand that moving to a new PC can take time. As part of our ongoing commitment to helping customers stay secure during the transition, the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for personal devices is being provided an additional year. Coverage will now be available through October 12, 2027.

As a current user enrolled in ESU, you will automatically receive an additional year of protection. No action is required on your end, the extension will be automatic.

A “Learn more” button goes here:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/extended-security-updates?OCID=CGE_eml_Devices_EOS_868k1p7eh

I’m surprised they don’t want more money to extend for another year. I’d have paid it.

Kicking the can down the road. I’m good with that.

106

You paid for the Extended Updates? I didn’t, as it was free.

107

While there were various circuitous routes you could use to get extended support, the official methods offered by Microsoft past the official “unsupported” date were:

    1. Cash in 1,000 points from Microsoft’s Rewards program; you earn points by using Microsoft’s services.
    2. Sync your Windows Backup to Microsoft OneDrive. By default, you only get 5GB for free, so you might need to buy additional OneDrive storage
    3. Pay $30

I personally used the command line registry change to activate it but I assume a good number of people went official with it.

Edit: I saw upthread you said you received an offer on it but I assume that was not universal since there’s a bajillion online articles from the period describing the ways quoted above. I, for one, received no such offer that didn’t require using points or digging myself deeper into the MS ecosystem.