Windows 10 Support Ends Today – Here is How to Extend it for a Year

If your PC is still running Windows 10, here is an important update: Microsoft has officially moved the operating system to “end of life” status.

While your Windows 10 computer will continue to function, it will no longer receive essential security updates from Microsoft.

All Windows 10 users – whether on Home, Pro, or Enterprise editions are affected by this end-of-support date. To keep your device secure after October 14, you will need to act manually. If you don’t take any steps, your PC will be left vulnerable online.

What are my options on Windows 10?

That means you have three ways to keep your computer secure:

• Upgrade to Windows 11 for free if your PC is supported.

• Purchase a new device with Windows 11 pre-installed.

• Delay upgrading by enrolling in Extended Security Updates (ESU), which lets you keep Windows 10 secure for another year.

Option three is often straightforward and sometimes free. Therefore, let us focus on how you can continue using Windows 10, at least for now.

How to get ESU on Windows 10?

Please note that normally the ESU would require a $30 fee but it is currently free for the US users by following the below method.

1. Ensure your PC is updated: Go to Settings > System > About and install any pending updates.

2. Use an administrator account: Sign in as the admin (check under Settings > Your Info).

3. Check for Windows 11 upgrade: Upgrade if prompted, otherwise proceed with the next steps.

4. Enroll in ESU: In Settings > Update & Security, select “Enroll Now” for Extended Security Updates.- Update your PC via Settings > System > About.

5. Sign in with an administrator account (see Settings > Your Info).

6. Upgrade to Windows 11 if offered.

7. If not, go to Settings > Update & Security and enroll in ESU.

It’s best to enroll your device in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program as soon as possible to keep getting security updates.

There is no official cutoff for signing up, you can join anytime after October 14. However, extended support for consumers will end on October 13, 2026, no matter when you enroll.