Microsoft now offers free Extended Security Updates (ESU) for personal Windows 10 devices until 2026. This extends support by one year past the original end-of-support date.
Eligibility and Enrollment
The free ESU option is available for Windows 10 version 22H2 in Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Workstation editions. Enterprise and Education editions are not eligible. Personal PCs must be updated and signed in with an admin account; the enrollment requires a Microsoft account unless in the European Economic Area (EEA), where qualifying devices enroll automatically.
- Version: Windows 10 22H2
- Supported editions: Home, Pro, Pro Education, Workstation
- Requirement: Latest cumulative update
- Exclusion: Enterprise, MDM-managed devices
Enrollment Process
Eligible users can find the ESU sign-up link in Settings under Windows Update. Enrollment completes through a wizard. A Microsoft account allows applying eligibility to up to 10 devices if previously backed up settings to the cloud. Automatic enrollment applies in the EEA without a Microsoft account.
Free Options and Alternatives
Several free options are available to obtain ESU without the $30 fee. Users can use Windows Backup to sync settings or redeem Microsoft Rewards points. For those outside these options, a paid subscription is available.
Commercial users must purchase ESU through Volume Licensing, with costs starting at roughly $61 per device per year, increasing in subsequent years.
Personal device updates will continue through 2026, offering a temporary stopgap for users not ready to upgrade to Windows 11.
