Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. After support ends, you won’t receive security updates or technical assistance, so upgrading to Windows 11 or purchasing a new PC is recommended. You can continue using a Windows 10 PC after end-of-support, but the lack of security updates increases your risk of malware infections.
If you plan to keep using Windows 10, you might consider joining the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. For individuals or Windows 10 Home users, a 1-year ESU can be bought for USD 30, while business customers face higher charges. However, certain conditions allow individual users to enroll in ESU for free for one year.
Fortunately, I met those conditions and was able to enroll in the ESU program at no cost. 😄
Windows 10 End of Support, How to Enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU)
With Windows 10 support ending just over a month away, those still using Windows 10 are facing a decision about what steps to take.
Six years ago I bought a budget Samsung laptop and upgraded it for continued use. In the past, a 4–5 year-old laptop would be due for replacement, but today’s laptops are well-built, with fewer breakdowns, and upgrading RAM and an SSD keeps it running smoothly, so I plan to keep using mine.
There was an opportunity to upgrade to Windows 11 for free, but after upgrading the colors and visuals didn’t match well, so I rolled back to Windows 10. 😥
If you don’t plan to upgrade to Windows 11 right away or your device cannot upgrade to Windows 11, enrolling in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program can be a viable option.
- For individual users, you can receive update support for up to one year for USD 30.
- Businesses can purchase ESU for up to three years, but the ESU cost scales over time. The first year costs USD 61 per device, and the price increases by roughly a factor of two each year, up to a three-year term (see Microsoft’s official ESU for Windows 10 documentation).
- The ESU program is a temporary measure, so in the long term you should upgrade to Windows 11 or buy a Windows 11 PC.
Fortunately, individual users can obtain free security support for a year if they meet certain conditions.
However, the free ESU announced this time isn’t automatically available to all users. It’s extended only to those who meet two conditions.
First, the Windows installation must be signed in with a Microsoft account (MSA), not a simple local account, but one tied to a Microsoft account such as Outlook or Hotmail. Also, enable Windows backup.
Source - ZDNet Korea: https://zdnet.co.kr/view/?no=20250626091817
Back in June when this article appeared, there was no ESU enrollment link under Settings > Update & security > Windows Update. But today (Sunday, September 7, 2025), I see a "Register Extended Security Update" link.
The notice reads, "Windows 10 support ends in October 2025. To keep your device secure, register for Extended Security Updates." Click Register now to enroll in ESU for free.
When I clicked, I saw a screen confirming that you can enroll in Extended Security Updates at no extra cost, enabling free enrollment.
On a PC with a valid Windows 10 license (not a volume license) that is signed in to an MS account and with Windows Backup enabled, it can be used for free.
After clicking the Register button, a moment later a window appeared stating "Registered for Extended Security Updates through October 13, 2026," and the registration was complete.
I recently purchased a mid-range HP laptop for well under market price through a friend. If you can’t enroll in ESU or upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t possible, buying a new laptop could be another option.
Conclusion
The end of Windows 10 support is looming. If you’re still using Windows 10, you’ll need to decide whether to enroll in ESU, upgrade to Windows 11, or buy a new PC. Even if you continue using Windows 10 without updates for now, it might not cause immediate problems, but leaving security gaps could lead to malware infections or other issues.
