How to Extend Windows 10 Support with Microsoft’s ESU Program

Windows 10 End of Support

On October 14, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10, which was first released on July 29, 2015. No further security, feature, or bug‑fix updates will be provided. The final version, 22H2, was released on October 18, 2022.

Typical consumer editions have an 18‑month lifecycle, and commercial H1 editions 18 months, H2 editions 30 months, all of which have now expired (the deadline was extended by six months). Only LTSC editions, with 5‑ to 10‑year lifecycles, remain supported.

Extended Security Updates (ESU) Option

To continue receiving updates, users must subscribe to Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Microsoft offers three ways to obtain a one‑year extension, which ends on October 13, 2026:

Use the built‑in backup‑restore feature (OneDrive) to sync data.

Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.

Purchase a one‑time $30 license.

How to Register for ESU

Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update . If the device meets the prerequisites, an ESU registration link will appear.

Click Register now . If you are signed in with a local account, you will be prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account.

If backup is not enabled, you can enable it, redeem Rewards points, or make the one‑time purchase to complete registration.

After registration, a single ESU license can cover up to ten devices. On additional devices, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Register now . If you are signed in with the same Microsoft account used for the first device, choose Add device ; otherwise, sign in with that account.

For full details, see Microsoft’s official ESU page: https://www.microsoft.com/zh-cn/windows/extended-security-updates .

Many users note that Windows 10 no longer receives bug fixes, while Windows 11 has been available for over three years and now holds a 49 % market share, surpassing Windows 10’s 41 %. Consider whether to stay on Windows 10.