On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially stop supporting Windows 10, and the operating system is therefore on its way to end. The computer will continue to be used as normal after that date but no further security updates will be issued. This facilitates easy attack of hackers and viruses on outdated systems.
What Are Your Options Now?
Microsoft has provided users with three key options to remain secure:
Windows 11 upgrade: The secure and updated version.
Purchase a new PC: It is pre-installed with windows 11 and long-term warranty.
Participate in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program by Microsoft: Under this plan, you can continue using Windows 10 without any danger to your computer over a period of one year, and the most interesting is that most users can make the plan at no cost.
Why ESU is Important
As soon as updates are disabled, your computer will be more vulnerable to malware, phishing, and data breaches. The ESU program is one of Microsoft extensions to cover one more year of protection -till 2026- by providing one more year of critical security patches. It provides the user with a little more time to get ready to switch to Windows 11.
How to be a part of the Microsoft ESU Program
Ensure that you have updated your windows 10.
Enter into settings and system and about to confirm your windows version.
You need not be on the latest build, so make sure all the pending updates are installed.
Utilize an administrator account.
Users with administrator privileges are the only ones allowed to enroll in ESU.
Just to check, go to Settings >Your Info – there should be Administrator next to your name.
Confirm whether your PC is capable of upgrading to Windows 11.
When your computer meets the specifications of windows 11, upgrading is also free and safer in the long run.
Enroll in the ESU Program
Open settings update and security.
On Extended Security Updates, click on Enroll Now.
In case you do not see this option, update all the system updates, and attempt to try.
Back up your files
You will have 5 GB of free storage in OneDrive.
You also have the option of controlling what is backed up by going to settings, OneDrive and dis-enabling unwanted folders.
Post Enrollment
When it is all set, click Add This device to get Extended Security Updates, and then Add Device Done.
Subsequently, your computer will also be supported with security patches until 2026.
Remember that the free ESU plan links your windows login to the cloud of Microsoft. When using a local account you will have to turn on cloud services such as OneDrive, Office 365, or Game Pass to remain eligible.
Although Windows 10 officially drops on October 14, you can afford to use it safely next year by enrolling in Microsoft Extended Security Updates, which is free. It is also intelligent to be covered as you strategize on your next upgrade.
Read: Latest Tech News
