Microsoft has announced that the extended security updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 will now be available for free, but there is a catch. To take advantage of this offer, users will need to sync their PC settings to the cloud using a Microsoft Account and the new Windows Backup app.
While mainstream support for Windows 10 will end on October 14 this year, Microsoft is giving users a way to keep their PCs secure until 2026, but only if they follow this cloud-based setup.
Many users still prefer Windows 10, partly because Windows 11 demands higher hardware requirements that not everyone is willing to meet. The ESU program, first introduced last year, was previously priced at $30 per device if users didn’t want to sync settings or use a Microsoft Account. Now, this fee is waived if you use the Windows Backup app, which backs up everything from documents to system settings via OneDrive, with 5GB of free cloud storage included.
The Windows Backup app is already available to Windows 10 users, allowing them to keep their data and settings in the cloud. However, if you don’t want to use a Microsoft Account or prefer not to back up your settings, you’ll have to pay $30 for continued security updates after October 2025. Without this, your device will be left unsupported, which could lead to security vulnerabilities over time.
Microsoft’s push for users to upgrade to Windows 11 is evident. While the ESU program provides security updates, it won’t include new features or technical support. Users who choose to stick with Windows 10 will miss out on the latest OS improvements, many of which are AI-driven. The ESU program exists to protect those who can’t yet transition to Windows 11 or are unwilling to, offering them at least basic security protection for a little longer.
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