Microsoft is offering free extended security updates for Windows 10 consumers, but users must enable Windows Backup to get them. The free option requires syncing settings and folders to the cloud through OneDrive.
Three Ways to Get Extended Updates
Microsoft will offer consumers three options to enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10:
- Free option: Enable Windows Backup to sync data to OneDrive
- Paid option: Pay $30 for one year of updates
- Rewards option: Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points
An enrollment wizard will be added to Windows 10 in July with these three choices.
The Free Option’s Hidden Cost
While the Windows Backup option appears free, it comes with limitations. Windows Backup uses OneDrive, which provides only 5GB of free storage.
Users with many files in their Documents folder will likely exceed this limit and need to purchase additional OneDrive storage. This makes the “free” option potentially costly for users with large file collections.
Limited Time Frame
Consumers will only receive extended security updates until October 13, 2026 – just one year beyond Windows 10’s end of support on October 14, 2025.
Businesses get better options, with the ability to purchase up to three years of security updates. Microsoft is also making ESU free for Windows 10 devices accessing Windows 11 Cloud PCs through Windows 365.
Automatic Enrollment Process
Once users select an option and complete the setup steps, their PC will automatically enroll in the extended security program. Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s executive vice president and consumer chief marketing officer, says the process is designed to be simple.
Microsoft’s Windows 11 Push
The move is part of Microsoft’s broader effort to transition users to Windows 11. The company has called 2025 “the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh” and wants to end Windows 10 usage.
Despite Windows 11 becoming the most popular OS for PC gaming, 37% of Steam users still run Windows 10. Microsoft has only a few months to convince these users to upgrade or switch PCs.
Expect More Pressure
Microsoft will likely increase pressure on Windows 10 users with more full-screen prompts about the end of support deadline. The company has been pushing users toward Windows 11 through various notification campaigns.
The extended security updates provide a temporary solution but are clearly designed to eventually push users toward newer systems or paid cloud services.
