Even though more than half a billion Windows computers around the world are still running Windows 10, Microsoft is ploughing ahead with its plan to end support for the decade-old operating system on October 14 of this year. After that day, anyone using Windows 10 will no longer receive free software or security updates, meaning they will be stuck on the current version, never again receiving new features or fixes to bugs that crop up over time.
This could leave you open to more online risks as they appear, both from viruses and from criminal activity via various means. You can upgrade for free to Windows 11, though your PC might not meet the minimum system requirements for that, or buy a new computer, which is also not ideal.
The only other way to stay safe with Windows 10 is to join Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme, which after being announced months ago is now finally available for Windows 10 users to sign up for.
This programme promises to continue to provide security (not feature) updates to WIndows 10 for an additional year – the major catch being Microsoft will charge anyone who signs up $30. At the time of writing, that will equate to £22 for Windows 10 users in the UK.
“Starting today, individuals will begin to see an enrollment wizard through notifications and in Settings, making it simple to select the best option for you and enroll in ESU directly from your personal Windows 10 PC,” Microsoft said in a blog post on July 22.
“We understand that moving to a new PC can take time, and we’re here to support you throughout the process. The Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is designed to keep your current Windows 10 PC protected after support ends—helping you stay secure during the transition.”
If you can’t update your PC to Windows 11 – or don’t want to – then you can now head to the Settings menu on your Windows 10 computer to find the enrollment wizard for the ESU programme.
If you’re not seeing the option, you need to make sure your PC is running Windows 10, version 22H2 or newer. Older versions don’t support ESUs. Microsoft says the ESU paid coverage will run from October 15, 2025, until October 13, 2026. It’s unclear if the firm will offer this programme for longer than a year.
After the October deadline, Windows 11 will be the only remaining officially supported version of Windows. Microsoft is pushing updates to the operating system that introduce the firm’s Copilot AI assistant, which has replaced Windows 10’s Cortana.