Heads up, Windows 10 users 👀 — Microsoft just announced a free update extension for those not quite ready (or able) to jump to Windows 11. It’s called the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, and it’ll keep your PC safe with critical updates until October 2026 — that’s a full extra year after official support ends in October 2025.
To qualify, your device needs to be running Windows 10 version 22H2 (Home, Pro, Pro Education, or Workstation editions) with all the latest updates installed. You’ll also need to sign in with your Microsoft account and stay logged in (if you don’t have one just create a new one – anything with the outlook.com email address for example) — Microsoft asks you to re-authenticate at least every 60 days to keep things active.
If you’re in the European Economic Area (EEA), you’re in luck — it’s completely free. Outside the EEA, there might be a small fee, but Microsoft says they’re working on low-cost or free options for older PCs that can’t handle Windows 11. Just note: Enterprise, Education, or managed devices (like ones connected to a company network or MDM) don’t qualify for this free deal. You can sign up right through your Windows Update settings once the notification pops up (go to Settings > windows update and see if the offer is there).
