Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) Rolling Out — Eventually

October 14, 2025, marks the official end of support for Windows 10, but for those of us clinging to our Windows 10 OS, there’s still a lifeline. Microsoft is now rolling out an "Enroll now (Extended Security Updates)" option directly in the Windows Update settings, giving users a chance to stay patched and secure past the deadline. Whether you’re allergic to Windows 11 or just not ready to give up your customized setup, here’s everything you need to know to keep Windows 10 alive and when to expect it.

Where to Find the ESU Enrollment Button

Back in mid-July, Microsoft announced the new ESU program would begin rolling out soon. However, in true Microsoft fashion, most users still aren't seeing the option, or they encounter bugs when trying to activate it. If that sounds familiar, here's your solution: head over to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and ensure you've installed the 2025-08 Cumulative Update Preview for Windows 10 Version 22H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5063842). This update is supposed to clear out some of the early bugs and unlock the ESU wizard for more users, but not for all users. Some report no ESU path, but more popups are begging the person to upgrade to 11. T

That said, once installed, look just below the "Check for updates" button for the "Enroll now (Extended Security Updates)" prompt. If it still doesn’t show, reboot and check again after a few hours. However, it may take longer. Microsoft has said they are rolling it out "slowly".

So When Can You Actually Get Windows 10 Extended Support?

Windows 11 adoption hasn’t exactly set the world on fire for a number of reasons. By dragging their feet on the ESU rollout, Microsoft seems to be playing a familiar game—nudge users just enough until they give in and click that Windows 11 upgrade prompt. Every Windows 10 holdout they convert is one less legacy machine to support.

Originally, Microsoft had no plans for any kind of extended support. Apparently, they thought forcing millions of perfectly good PCs into landfills while pushing Copilot deeper into your digital life was a fantastic idea. Because, you know, nothing says progress like turning your calculator into an AI-powered life coach.

But after some serious backlash, Microsoft caved. The Commercial Extended Security Updates (ESU) program was quietly repackaged for regular users. Great news—on paper. In practice, the rollout has been slower than dial-up. The ESU option is being rolled out to devices, while Windows 11 upgrade pop-ups still shout at you, as if it were 2003.

Keep in mind, this wasn’t a feature baked into their original roadmap. It’s a reactive move—likely driven by pressure from businesses, environmental advocates, and angry users. That means the delay could also be technical: a back-end scramble to make the system work for consumer-grade PCs.

The original target was mid-August. Now? It’s just “soon” and "slow". But they have committed to gradually grant access by the deadline of 10.13.2025. So our advice is keep your updates current and be patient.

How to Enroll in Windows 10 ESU (Extended Security Updates)

Once you are lucky enough to get the toggle to appear, you’ve got three ways to keep those updates coming:

1. Microsoft Account Sync (Free): Link your Microsoft account and sync your settings to OneDrive. This qualifies you for ESU at no cost.
2. Microsoft Rewards Points (Also Free): Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points instead of cash.
3. Pay $30: Don’t want to mess with accounts or points? You can pay a one-time fee of $30 per PC.

One Microsoft account can extend ESU to up to 10 different PCs, making it a solid deal for households or power users with multiple machines.

You will see a toggle and the system will walk you through the support addition.

What If You’re Using a Local Account or an Unsupported PC?

No problem. The ESU works on any device running Windows 10 with a valid license, even if it's not eligible for Windows 11. Local/offline accounts are supported as long as you choose the payment option or use rewards points. That means older PCs can still get essential security updates for another year.

This is great news for users with specialized or older software/hardware that simply don’t want to play nice with Windows 11. It buys time for migration, testing, or just staying put while you wait for something newer to come along.

If you're on the fence about moving to Windows 11, or just want to know how to skip the hardware checks and keep Windows 10 humming in 2025, check out our full guide here: Skip Windows 11 Hardware Checks, Keep Windows 10 in 2025.

Tools and Tips

Before enrolling, ensure you’re running Windows 10 Version 22H2. If you don't know for sure, just open your Settings>System>About and it will be there. Or just type WINVER in your run box. Voila'

Also, consider Windows Media Creation Tool, backing up your system with something like Macrium Reflect Free or cleaning up with CCleaner to ensure everything runs smoothly post-enrollment.

You might want to grab our Software Updater while you are at it. To make sure everything is current. It runs on both 10 and 11.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Get Caught Off Guard

Windows 10 might be heading toward retirement, but you don’t have to say goodbye just yet. With Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates, you can squeeze another year of life out of your OS for free (or cheap). Also, the end of Windows 10 support doesn’t mean your PC becomes useless overnight, but running without security patches will eventually be like surfing the web with a giant "Hack Me" sign. ESU gives you time to plan and transition without rushing into an upgrade you’re not ready for.

And let’s be honest, if you're using Microsoft Rewards points to keep your system alive, you're basically gaming the system in the best way possible. Nice work.

What are you doing? Staying with Windows 10? Upgrading your 10 to 11? Linux? Let us know in the comments!

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