With the October 14, 2025, deadline for Windows 10 support looming closer, Microsoft has unveiled a new offer aimed at those not quite ready—or willing—to make the leap to Windows 11. In a somewhat unexpected move, the company is now allowing users to access its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for free, at least for one year, provided they meet a couple of specific conditions.
This is a noteworthy shift, particularly considering that Windows 10 still dominates a large portion of the global desktop OS market. In India alone, it held a 58.42% share of Windows desktop versions as recently as June 2025. So yes, this affects quite a few people.
To recap the key points:
- Windows 10’s free support officially ends on October 14, 2025.
- Users can get one year of Extended Security Updates (ESU) at no cost.
- The free ESU requires either linking a OneDrive account or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
- A paid version of ESU remains available at $30 (USD) per year.
- The updates include only security fixes—no new features.
Until not long ago, the only path forward for continued Windows 10 security support was a paid ESU subscription, starting at $30 for individual users. For businesses, prices were expected to rise with each passing year. But now, Microsoft seems to be acknowledging just how many people are still sticking with Windows 10 and has offered a bit of a compromise.
So, what’s the catch with the free ESU? To qualify, users must either enable Windows Backup and sync their settings using a linked OneDrive account or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. If you’ve never heard of Microsoft Rewards, it’s the company’s loyalty program where you earn points by doing things like using Bing or completing certain Xbox tasks. A thousand points isn’t astronomical, but it might take a little time for casual users to accumulate.
As for the OneDrive route, Microsoft gives 5GB of free cloud storage, but depending on how much you’re backing up, that space can fill up quickly. In some cases, that might nudge users toward buying additional storage, so the “free” option could come with strings attached if you’re not careful.
For those who prefer to bypass the fuss altogether, the paid ESU program is still on the table at $30 for one year. An enrollment wizard is being rolled out starting July 2025, and it’ll guide users through the setup process, whether you’re opting for the free or paid route.
It’s worth noting that while the ESU program provides crucial security patches, it won’t bring any new features, visual updates, or general usability improvements. Essentially, your system will stay secure but otherwise stagnant. That’s kind of the point, this is a bridge, not a destination. Microsoft still hopes users will eventually upgrade to Windows 11, which offers enhanced security and newer features, though that decision isn’t as straightforward for everyone.
The real challenge, of course, is hardware. Many older Windows 10 devices just don’t meet the minimum specs required for Windows 11. That’s led to a sizable number of users being stuck with an operating system that’s slowly drifting toward obsolescence. This extended support gives them a bit more breathing room to figure out their next move, whether that means upgrading hardware, switching OS, or just waiting it out.
Meanwhile, Microsoft has also outlined its roadmap for Office apps on Windows 10. Feature updates will stop after August 2026, but security patches will continue until October 2028. Again, it’s a clear message: the transition to Windows 11 isn’t optional in the long run, it’s just not urgent right now.
Related FAQs
Q1: What happens if I do not upgrade to Windows 11 or enroll in the ESU program after October 14, 2025?
A1: Your Windows 10 PC will continue to function, but it will no longer receive free security updates, non-security updates, or technical support from Microsoft. This means your PC will be at a higher risk of security vulnerabilities from new threats and malware.
Q2: Can I upgrade to Windows 11 for free?
A2: Yes, if your Windows 10 PC meets the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11, you can upgrade for free. You can check your PC’s compatibility through Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Update on your device.
Q3: What are the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11?
A3: Key requirements for Windows 11 include a 1 GHz or faster processor with 2 or more cores on a 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC), 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB or larger storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0, DirectX 12 compatible graphics, and a 9-inch display with HD resolution (720p).
Q4: How can I check if my Windows 10 PC is eligible for the free ESU?
A4: Starting July 2025, Microsoft will roll out an enrollment wizard through Windows Settings and desktop notifications. This wizard will guide you through the process of opting into the free ESU by linking your OneDrive account or redeeming Microsoft Rewards points.
Q5: Will the ESU program provide new features for Windows 10?
A5: No, the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program focuses only on providing critical and important security updates. It does not include new features, non-security fixes, or design changes for Windows 10.
