Windows 10: How to Get a Free Extra Year of Security

Key Dates and Options

• October 14: Microsoft stops sending security updates to Windows 10 PCs.
• Options:
  1. Upgrade to Windows 11
  2. Buy a new PC
  3. Sign up for Extended Security Updates (ESU)

How to Sign Up for ESU

Step 1: Check if Your PC is Up-to-Date

• Go to Settings > System > About
• Install all available Windows 10 updates if needed.

Step 2: Ensure You're Using an Administrator Account

• Check by going to Settings > Your Info
• The first account created is usually the administrator account.

Step 3: Upgrade to Windows 11 (If Eligible)

• If eligible, upgrade to Windows 11.
• If not, proceed to enroll in ESU.

Step 4: Enroll in ESU

• Go to Settings > Update & Security
• Click the "Enroll Now" link.
• If the link is not visible, update and install the latest Windows 10 updates.

Step 5: Back Up Your PC Settings

• Free Option: Back up to the cloud.
• Catches:
• Link your Windows login to Microsoft's cloud-based service.
• Free backup applies only to the first 5 GB of storage.
• Additional storage requires payment for OneDrive.

Step 6: Add Your Device to ESU

• Sign in and click "Add Device" when prompted.
• Success! You now have 12 more months to plan an upgrade to Windows 11.