Microsoft offers extended free security updates for Windows 10 until 2026, with conditions

Microsoft has extended the availability of free security updates for Windows 10, offering users an additional year of support, but with conditions. Originally, users had to pay $30 for a single year of extended security updates via the Extended Security Update (ESU) program. However, the company is now providing alternative ways to receive updates without charge. These include enrolling in Windows Backup, a new app for backing up settings and files via a Microsoft account, or using Microsoft Rewards points. Windows 10 users can opt into the ESU program by either signing up for the backup service or spending 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, a form of incentive given for activities like purchases or Bing searches. This offer extends updates until October 13, 2026, but is only available to consumer PCs, not businesses or schools. Despite these new options, the end-of-support date for Windows 10 remains unchanged, and Microsoft continues to push for upgrades to Windows 11. The company has been aggressively encouraging users to migrate, especially as Windows 11’s market share is growing rapidly, while Windows 10’s dominance is slowly diminishing. These updates are a temporary solution for those who either cannot or do not want to upgrade to Windows 11, although users must still meet specific criteria to benefit from them.