Windows 10 Users Get Free ESU: Microsoft Offers 1 Year of Security Updates via Backup or Rewards

At the end of 2023, Microsoft announced for the first time that Extended Security Updates (ESU) would be made available for purchase by individual and home users. Previously, such updates were reserved solely for enterprise customers. With Windows 10, however, Microsoft introduced a one-year ESU subscription that allows personal and home users to continue receiving security updates.

According to the pricing, the ESU package costs $30 per device. Once subscribed, users can receive Microsoft’s security updates through October 2026 without needing to upgrade to Windows 11—ensuring continued safe use of the Windows 10 operating system.

Now, under a newly introduced policy, Microsoft is allowing users to obtain one year of Windows 10 ESU updates free of charge, bypassing the $30 fee. Users may access the ESU updates through any of the following three methods:

1. By using Windows Backup to save system settings and selected data to OneDrive, users become eligible for one year of free ESU updates.
2. Users may also accumulate Microsoft Rewards points through Bing searches. Redeeming 1,000 points grants a one-year Windows 10 ESU subscription.
3. Alternatively, users can simply pay $30 to secure one year of ESU updates, guaranteeing support from Microsoft through October 2026.

The most straightforward method for most users may be to utilize Windows Backup, which allows them to preserve system settings, files in personal folders, and installations of certain Microsoft Store apps (excluding app data) to OneDrive. This setup facilitates data restoration on a new PC. However, it’s important to note that Win32 applications and their data are not supported by this backup method.

Of course, redeeming Microsoft Rewards points remains a viable option. Earning points isn’t difficult—daily use of Bing search, wallpapers, and other Microsoft tools contributes steadily toward the goal, making the ESU plan a reasonable exchange.

Finally, regardless of the method chosen, enrollment in the ESU program requires a Microsoft account. If a user signs out of their Microsoft account on Windows 10, updates will be suspended until they sign back in.

Related Posts:

• Windows 10 ESU Program: A Lifeline for Holdouts, But at What Cost?
• Microsoft Extends Microsoft 365 Support on Windows 10 Until 2028
• Windows 10 ESU Cracked: Free Security Updates on the Horizon?
• OneNote Windows 10: Support Ends October 2025, Migrate Now
• Last year, Google paid $ 2.9 million for the Vulnerability Reward Program

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Do Son

Do Son (aka Ddos) is a seasoned news reporter, bringing over a decade of expertise to the forefront of cyber security and technology reporting. My work provides timely and insightful analysis of emerging trends and critical developments in these rapidly evolving sectors.