Do you want to extend the Windows 10 Support? Follow the guide to know how you can do it and what does it mean. We shall see the steps to do the same in detail, along with some additional points that you must know. So, let us begin.
What is Extended support on Windows 10?
“Extended support” for Windows 10 is officially called the Extended Security Updates, or simply – ESU program. This is a crucial part of the computer and will let you explore the different parts of a good OS. Since Windows 10’s standard support ended on October 14, 2025, the ESU program allows individuals and organizations to continue receiving critical and important security updates for a fee. This fee is usually nominal and nothing to really worry about. It’s essentially a temporary, paid subscription to keep your system safe from major threats while you transition to Windows 11. But it is for sure that you have to make a transition. It does not include new features, non-security updates, or even technical support. For consumers, the initial ESU period runs for one year, but it can be a longer paid option for businesses and similar things.
Who can avail an Extended Windows 10 support?
The Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program is available to both individual consumers and commercial organizations. There is no restriction in these matters. For consumers on Windows 10 Home, Pro, etc., you can get it through a few options, which even include a one-time $30 purchase. Following this, different businesses and schools typically purchase an annual ESU subscription through commercial licensing programs, often for up to three years, so you can take that up as an example. The only catch in that is that your PC must be running the latest Windows 10 version, 22H2, to be eligible. The rest will be taken care of on its own!
Steps to get Extended Windows 10 Support
Now, let us discuss the ways and the steps to actually get the Extended Windows 10 Support!
Update Your PC
The first thing is to make sure that your device is fully updated, running Windows 10, version 22H2, with the latest security patches.
Go to Windows Update
As the next step, you need to navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Find the Enrollment Link
In this particular space, you are looking for a link that mentions “Enroll in Extended Security Updates to help keep your device secure”. Once you find it, just click on the “Enroll Now” button.
Sign In with Your Account Details
If you don’t use an administrative account but a local one, you’ll be prompted to sign in with an administrator-level Microsoft Account, as the ESU license is tied to it, and you can’t do it any other way.
Choose Your Way
Select how you want to enroll. These are the options that you’ll get!
- Free-By syncing your PC settings to your OneDrive account.
- Paid – one-time purchase of $30 USD.
- Points-By redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
Complete the Enrollment
Keep following the prompts and instructions on the screen, and finally confirm that you want the update. The Windows Update screen shows the “Your PC is enrolled” message. It means your work is done! Also, you must know that you can actually enroll up to 10 devices with one ESU license.
