Microsoft has announced a free update extension for Windows 10 users, offering a 12-month security update programme starting immediately to address concerns over the operating system’s planned end of life.
The software giant said on Tuesday that Windows 10 users will begin seeing an enrollment wizard through notifications and in Settings, allowing them to select security update options directly from their computers. This represents a significant change from Microsoft’s original plan to end Windows 10 support in October 2025.
Around 700 million users worldwide continue to use Windows 10 despite Microsoft’s efforts to encourage migration to Windows 11. The company acknowledged that “moving to a new PC can take time” and said it would support users throughout the transition process.
The free extension requires users to choose from Microsoft’s available options, such as using OneDrive cloud storage or spending reward points, but the company describes it as essentially a free offer.
Microsoft continues to promote Windows 11 as the “faster, better, safer option” and has highlighted improvements in its latest update. The company claims Windows 11 24H2 shows 24% fewer failure rates for unexpected restarts compared to Windows 10 22H2, calling it “the most reliable Windows yet.”
The announcement coincides with Microsoft’s broader push for users to adopt its AI-powered Copilot PCs and switch from Chrome to its Edge browser. The company is also introducing a new PC-to-PC migration tool to make switching between systems easier.
Microsoft warns that users must take action before October 2025 when regular Windows 10 updates are scheduled to end, either through the security extension programme or by upgrading to Windows 11, which remains free.
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