Free Ways to Extend Windows 10 Support Past Oct. 14

Microsoft has declared that it will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14th. For those choosing to postpone the transition to Windows 11, there are multiple options to continue using the operating system, two of which are free of charge.

Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program provides crucial and essential security updates for unsupported OSes without offering new features, bug fixes, or technical support. Initially, Microsoft intended to charge consumers $30 to enroll in the ESU program and maintain Windows 10, but recently announced two complimentary alternatives.

Previously restricted to Insiders, the program is now accessible to all individual users. Users can access an enrollment wizard via notifications or Settings, according to Microsoft.

Windows 10 users may secure ESU through one of three available options:

1. Redeem 1,000 points from Microsoft’s Rewards program, which are earned by utilizing various Microsoft services, such as downloading the Bing app alone, earning 500 points.
2. Sync your Windows Backup to Microsoft OneDrive. Although there will be no additional costs for this choice, users might need extra OneDrive storage to accommodate their backup as the default is only 5GB for free.
3. The third option remains unchanged: pay $30 for one year’s worth of critical updates.

Strict hardware requirements for Windows 11 make it challenging for some Windows 10 users to upgrade their older PCs to the latest OS. A workaround exists, although Microsoft does not (officially) endorse it. For affordable Windows 11 PC alternatives, we’ve compiled a list of suggestions.

Fortunately, Windows 10 users can continue using Office apps (Microsoft 365) for an additional three years. However, during this period, they will only receive security updates instead of new features, bug fixes, or comprehensive tech support.