How to Continue Using Windows 10 for Free After End of Support

You can continue using Windows 10 after support ceases on October 14, 2025; however, it will no longer receive free updates or security patches.
To ensure your system remains secure, consider enrolling in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, offering one additional year of updates until October 13, 2026. Enrollment options include paid subscriptions, Microsoft Rewards, or utilizing Windows Backup features.

After a decade of service, Microsoft is set to discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. This marks a critical transition point for users, encouraging many to upgrade to Windows 11. However, some users may delay this upgrade, often due to hardware limitations that fail to meet the new system requirements.

Understanding the End of Support for Windows 10

The termination of support signifies that Microsoft will halt the release of security updates, bug fixes, new features, and technical support for Windows 10 following the specified deadline. This cessation will leave systems vulnerable to emerging security threats, elevating the risks associated with malware attacks, data breaches, and potential system instability over time.

Is Continued Use of Windows 10 Possible Post-Support?

Absolutely, users can keep using Windows 10 after support ends, although this should be seen as a temporary measure. The last official security updates are set to roll out on October 14, 2025, and while normal use of the computer remains feasible initially, the lack of updates will increase vulnerability over time.

If transitioning to Windows 11 isn’t feasible, or if your device can’t support the upgrade, Microsoft has outlined several pathways to continue using Windows 10 until October 2026 via the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.

Overview of the Extended Security Updates (ESU) Program

The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is a premium service designed to provide essential security updates for Windows 10 users beyond its official end of support date on October 14, 2025.

Even though Windows 10 will no longer receive free updates post-deadline, the ESU program allows eligible devices to access monthly security patches for up to three years. This program predominantly caters to businesses but, during this phase, individual consumers can benefit from an additional year of security updates, lasting until October 13, 2026.

It’s crucial to understand that the program limits updates to critical and important security issues, without any introduction of new features or system modifications.

In this guide, we will explore how you can continue using Windows 10 at least until October 2026.

How to Maintain Windows 10 After Support Ends

The primary method to keep your computer secure after Windows 10’s official support concludes is through enrollment in the Extended Security Updates program. You have three options to register.

Enrollment has a fee of $30, but there are ways to access the program at no cost, depending on your circumstances.

Using the Windows Backup Option

If the $30 fee is prohibitive, consider using the Windows Backup tool to save your settings and files on OneDrive, making ESU access free under this option.

Windows 10 backup tool / Image: Mauro Huculak

This may be an advantageous option if you are already a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscriber, as you likely have your data backed up to the cloud.

However, for those without a subscription, the complimentary 5GB storage provided may quickly become inadequate, driving users towards the paid support option. This strategy may help Microsoft encourage more subscriptions to Microsoft 365.

To maximize storage using this backup option, select folders with fewer files to avoid excessive syncing of non-essential documents and pictures.

Benefiting from the Microsoft Rewards Program

If you’re a participant in the Microsoft Rewards program with at least 1000 points, you can redeem them to join the ESU program. While technically not free, redeeming points essentially allows access without spending cash.

This method could be preferable compared to the Windows Backup option if you’re not a subscriber. Simply log into your Microsoft Rewards account at the Microsoft Rewards program and participate in various activities until you accumulate enough points.

Typically, accumulating the required points is quick, and the program sometimes provides additional bonuses for completing specific tasks, such as downloading the mobile application (which can be uninstalled after obtaining the points).

Direct Enrollment via the Paid ESU Program Option

Finally, if cloud storage and Microsoft Rewards options do not suit your needs, you can register for the paid ESU program at a cost of $30 USD (or the equivalent in your locality).

For those with systems that meet the necessary requirements, the optimal choice remains upgrading to Windows 11.

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Upon enrollment, your device will continue to receive critical security updates, maintaining support from October 15, 2025, to October 13, 2026.

How to Enroll Your PC in the ESU Program

When the ESU program is available for your computer, you will see an “Enroll now” option under “Windows Update” in the settings. Choose the most suitable enrollment method for your needs.

Windows 10 ESU enrollment wizard / Image: Microsoft

This option will be accessible for any devices running the Windows 10 22H2 Home, Professional, Pro Education, or Workstation editions, provided they have the latest security update. It’s essential to be logged in with an administrator account linked to a Microsoft account; local accounts will require a Microsoft account due to the ESU product key’s connectivity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGEPw8mZEQQ

Microsoft Makes Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) Free – Easy Enroll Steps and Answers (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGEPw8mZEQQ)

On June 24, 2025, Microsoft will commence enrollment in the Extended Security Updates program through the Windows Insider Program.

By July 2025, enrollment is expected to open up to consumers outside the Insider Program, subsequently expanding more broadly in mid-August 2025.

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