Guidance on Employing Windows 10 ESU for Prolonged Update Access Beyond October 2025
Windows 10 users who want to continue receiving critical and security updates after the support ends on October 14, 2025, now have the option to enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible for the ESU program, your computer must be running Windows 10 version 22H2 with the latest updates applied. It's important to note that the computer does not need to be compatible with Windows 11 to enroll in the ESU program.
The ESU program is available to regular consumers for one year after the end of support. There are three options to sign up: a free option, a Microsoft Rewards option, and a paid option costing $30.
To sign up, follow these steps: Open Settings, click on Update & Security, click on Windows Update, click the "Check for updates" button, click the "Enroll now" option, and continue with the on-screen directions. If the enrollment option is not visible, it might be a gradual rollout, and it could take additional time before it's fully visible to everyone.
What the ESU Program Offers
The ESU program extends support until October 13, 2026. However, it's essential to understand that the program does not offer updates to improve the system, changes, or introduce new features. It only provides critical and security updates.
The free option is available if you back up files to OneDrive, regardless of your Microsoft 365 subscription status. The paid option, on the other hand, includes technical support. Up to 10 computers tied to the same Microsoft account can be enrolled in the ESU program.
Alternatives and Considerations
If your computer is compatible, upgrading to Windows 11 instead of using the ESU program is the best option to keep your computer supported and receive updates that patch vulnerabilities, bug fixes, and new features.
Office 2021 and 2024, as well as the LTSC versions of Office, will continue to run but won't receive support on Windows 10 after it ends. Microsoft 365 apps will continue to receive updates, but they won't receive new features after Windows 10 support ends.
It's important to note that while the computer will continue to work after October 14, 2025, it may become vulnerable to hackers and malware as critical security updates will no longer be provided after this date.
Other Important Information
Critical security updates will no longer be provided after October 14, 2025, for Windows 10. However, Microsoft Defender Antivirus definition updates are independent from Windows Update and will continue to be available until 2028.
Office 2016 and Office 2019 will no longer receive support on all operating systems starting October 14, 2025.
In conclusion, the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program offers continued security updates for Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. However, it's crucial to consider whether upgrading to a newer operating system would be a better long-term solution for your needs.
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