Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. But they are giving users an extra year of security for free. Your computer will still work, but it won’t get any important security updates after Windows 10 support ends. This makes it more likely that malware and viruses will get into it. If you’re one of the millions of people still using Windows 10, knowing about these free extension options gives you some time to think about what to do next.
How to secure your free year of Windows 10 Support
Microsoft has made it easy for people to sign up for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which provides critical security updates until October 13, 2026. Using Windows Backup to sync your settings to the cloud is the easiest way to get this protection for free. You upload your files, settings, and credentials to OneDrive, and in return, your device stays safe for another year without you paying a cent.
You can easily sign up through your Windows 10 settings. Just go to Settings and choose Windows Update. You should see a message below the “Check for updates” button that says “Windows 10 support has ended,” along with an “enroll now” link. Clicking the link starts a simple wizard that lets you choose how you want to sign up. The default free-access option is the backup. Once you’ve done these things, you’ll receive a message letting you know that your PC will keep receiving security updates.
Understanding your options after the free year
While the free extension provides immediate relief, it’s important to recognize that it is a temporary solution lasting only one year. The Extended Security Updates program does not include new features, customer-requested non-security updates, or design changes. For long-term security and access to the latest features, upgrading to Windows 11 remains Microsoft’s recommended path.
The free extension is helpful right away, but it’s important to remember that it is only a short-term fix that lasts for one year. New features, non-security updates customers request, or design changes are not part of the Extended Security Updates program. Microsoft still says that you should upgrade to Windows 11 for long-term security and to get the newest features.
If the hardware you already have doesn’t support Windows 11, you’ll have to decide whether to keep using Windows 10 with its limitations or buy new hardware. There are trade-in and recycling programs run by Microsoft and its partners that can help you pay for a Windows 11 device. You can find a more permanent and safer way to use computers by exploring these options during your extra year of security coverage.
