How to get a free one-year extension for Windows 10 update support
The topic of Windows 10's planned end of support on October 14, 2025, has been discussed in a number of earlier articles. After support expires, we've gone over exactly what will happen to the system and some fixes you can try to keep using your computer safely. These include signing up for Extended Security Updates (ESU) to receive security updates after official support ends or upgrading to Windows 11 if your device qualifies. Nevertheless, a $30 subscription fee is needed to keep getting updates for a full year. Because Windows 10 is more widely used than any other operating system, Microsoft had to provide more adaptable solutions to shield so many devices from security risks after support expires. In fact, the business declared that ESU subscriptions would be free, subject to certain restrictions!
But according to the latest announcement, tens of millions of consumer devices are incompatible with the new system requirements and cannot be upgraded to Windows 11. However, these free options are not available to business and enterprise customers, who must pay much higher fees (beginning at $61 per device annually) to receive extended security updates for up to three years. These fees must be paid through volume licensing programs or, starting in September, through Microsoft-authorized cloud providers.
Going back to our primary focus, which was the first way to get free security updates, the company said it would offer solutions for this. In order to backup settings and folders using the OneDrive cloud service, the first solution will advise users to try the Windows Backup app that comes preinstalled on the computer. On paper, this might seem easy, but it's not.
There is only 5 GB of free storage available with Microsoft's OneDrive service. You risk running out of free space and experiencing backup problems that can only be fixed by buying more storage space if you have a lot of local files and don't have a paid OneDrive or Microsoft 365 subscription.
Because of this, some experts think that the main reason this option is available is to lure Windows 10 users into paying for OneDrive as a secret cost in exchange for free updates. But according to Microsoft, the goal is to make sure that a duplicate of the same files and settings are periodically saved and synced so that you can restore them when you purchase a new computer, possibly after you sell your Windows 10 device!
Using the Microsoft Rewards system, which is currently accessible to everyone, including nations in the region, is a comparatively simpler and easier option if the first one doesn't work for you. Using the Bing search engine and having a Microsoft account are prerequisites for this system. You can exchange the points you earn from each search for subscriptions, gift cards, or donations. Regarding the free offer to extend Windows 10 updates, Microsoft lets users sign up for Extended Security Updates (ESU) by redeeming 1,000 points. Visit the Microsoft Rewards website, sign in with your Microsoft account, and look at the point total to see if this is the right choice for you.
It's important to note that you can use the Bing app on your smartphone for just two days until you reach about 500 points in order to rapidly accrue these points. You can earn points by completing a few easy tasks on the Microsoft Rewards website. Once you reach your goal, you'll receive a complimentary year of support for Windows 10.
Microsoft is providing three options to join the ESU and expand support for Windows 10 on personal devices: paying $30 a year, activating Windows Backup, or using 1,000 free points from the Rewards Program. One of the three choices is chosen using a specific tool in Windows 10, which can be accessed straight from the Updates page or via a notification that will show up on the taskbar in July and August. You'll see a banner stating that Windows 10 support is about to expire and a "Enroll now" button after you've navigated to the Update & Security section of the Settings app. The join window will open when you click it.
The first step in this window is to log into your Microsoft account. To move on to the next step, which is selecting how to join, you must sign in, even if you are using a local account in Windows 10. If you are eligible to receive a deduction of 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, you can choose "Redeem Microsoft Rewards points." You can choose "Back up your PC Settings" if you've enabled backups using the Windows Backup app and synchronized your settings (by going to the Accounts section of the Settings app, then Windows backup).
You can enroll in the program by clicking Next and then Enroll after choosing one of the three options. Your device will continue to receive monthly security updates (only) for a full year, ending on October 13, 2026, after you receive a message verifying your enrollment in Extended Security Updates. It's also important to note that enrollment does not require that your device meet Windows 11 requirements or have high specifications. If users choose to do so, any device running Windows 10 can participate in this program.