Microsoft has started offering free security updates for Windows 10 users, but it comes with a small catch.
As support for Windows 10 ends on October 14, 2025, many users are wondering how to keep their PCs safe. Now, Microsoft is giving people a way to get Extended Security Updates (ESU) without paying — but only if certain conditions are met.
There are three ways for regular users to receive these updates:
- Free with Windows Backup
If you turn on Windows Backup, you can get the updates without paying. Windows Backup works with OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud service, and it stores your settings and folders online. The catch? OneDrive gives only 5GB of free space, so if you have a lot of files in your Documents folder, you might need to buy more storage for the backup to work properly. - Pay $30 per year
You can also choose to pay $30 a year for the extra security updates if you don’t want to use Windows Backup or deal with storage limits. - Use Microsoft Rewards Points
Another option is to use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points to get the updates for free.
Microsoft will add a new enrollment wizard in Windows 10 starting in July. This tool will help users pick one of the three options and get started easily. Once you choose, your PC will be automatically enrolled.
The updates through ESU will be available until October 13, 2026, for home users. For businesses, Microsoft will offer up to three more years of paid support if needed. Also, if you’re using a Windows 11 Cloud PC through Windows 365 or a virtual machine, you’ll get ESU for free.
Microsoft wants users to move on from Windows 10. The company has called 2025 the year of the Windows 11 upgrade, and it’s expected to show more full-screen messages to remind users to update before time runs out.
If this article helped you, please consider supporting our work. Every small contribution keeps Abijita.com independent and running.
