Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, but eligible personal PCs can still receive Microsoft security updates through October 12, 2027 by enrolling in Extended Security Updates (ESU). Paying is one option—not a requirement: Microsoft also offers enrollment at no additional cost when you sync PC settings, or in exchange for 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. The paid consumer option is a one-time $30 USD plus applicable tax.
How much does Windows 10 ESU cost?
Microsoft’s consumer ESU program currently lists three enrollment routes. The available options and timing may vary by region, so the enrollment screen on your PC is the place to confirm what is offered where you live.
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| Consumer enrollment option | Cost | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| Sync PC settings | No additional cost | Requires syncing PC settings as part of enrollment. |
| Redeem Microsoft Rewards points | 1,000 points | Redeem points through the enrollment process. |
| Buy ESU | $30 USD one time, plus applicable tax | Microsoft lists this as a one-time purchase, not an annual fee. |
Microsoft says an enrolled consumer ESU license can cover up to 10 devices. That allowance is tied to the consumer license; it is not the commercial per-device pricing described below. See Microsoft’s current consumer ESU terms.
Who can enroll, and how?
Consumer enrollment is for eligible devices running Windows 10 version 22H2. If your PC meets the prerequisites, Microsoft says an enrollment link should appear in Windows Update. You may need to sign in with a Microsoft account.
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- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Check for the ESU enrollment link. If it appears, follow the prompts to choose an available enrollment method.
- Complete the selected option, such as syncing PC settings, redeeming Rewards points, or making the one-time purchase.
If the enrollment link does not appear, check that the PC is running version 22H2 and review Microsoft’s eligibility and enrollment guidance. Regional availability and enrollment timing can differ, including in the European Economic Area.
What does ESU cover—and what does it leave out?
Microsoft currently lists consumer ESU coverage through October 12, 2027. It says existing eligible consumer enrollment continues automatically through that date. The additional year of personal-device coverage was announced in a June 25, 2026 editor’s note on Microsoft’s Windows Experience Blog. Read Microsoft’s update.
ESU is a security bridge, not a continuation of full Windows support. It provides critical and important security updates, but not new features, customer-requested nonsecurity updates, design changes, or general Windows technical support. Microsoft’s ESU documentation also says organizations seeking help with ESU-specific activation, installation, or regression issues need an active support plan for that assistance.
Windows 10 still works, but support has ended
A Windows 10 PC does not stop working when support ends. Since October 14, 2025, however, Microsoft no longer provides ordinary Windows security updates and fixes, software updates, or technical support for Windows 10 outside applicable ESU coverage. Using an unsupported PC can increase exposure to viruses and malware. Microsoft explains what end of support means.
Some related Microsoft products have separate timelines: Microsoft 365 Apps security updates on Windows 10 are scheduled to continue through October 10, 2028, and Microsoft Defender Antivirus security intelligence updates through October 2028. Those commitments do not provide Windows ESU or replace Windows security updates.
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Commercial ESU is licensed per device and priced annually. Microsoft Learn lists Year One at $61 USD per device, with the price doubling each consecutive year for up to three years. The purchases are cumulative: a customer that starts in Year Two must also pay for Year One. Partial-year purchases are unavailable, and the minimum purchase is one license. These are commercial terms, not the consumer $30 option. See Microsoft’s commercial ESU terms.
Microsoft also lists no-additional-ESU-cost coverage for Windows 10 virtual machines in certain named service scenarios, including Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, Azure virtual machines, Azure Dedicated Host, Azure VMware Solution, Nutanix Cloud Clusters on Azure, Azure Local, Azure Stack Hub, and Azure Stack Edge. This is not a general free-ESU offer for every cloud-hosted Windows 10 setup; eligibility depends on the service and its terms.
Should you enroll, upgrade, or replace the PC?
The practical choice depends on your computer’s Windows 11 compatibility, how long you need this PC, and whether you want to pay for a security bridge. Microsoft recommends checking Windows Update or using PC Health Check to see whether an existing device can upgrade. Eligible PCs may receive a free Windows 11 upgrade; if the hardware cannot upgrade, replacing it with a Windows 11 PC is another option. Enrolling in ESU does not require replacing your hardware.
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- Choose ESU if you need more time with an eligible Windows 10 PC and want critical and important security updates through the currently listed coverage period.
- Upgrade to Windows 11 if your PC is compatible and you are ready to move to the current Windows version.
- Replace the PC if it cannot upgrade and you want a supported Windows 11 device rather than continuing on Windows 10.
Microsoft’s end-of-support guidance recommends upgrading eligible PCs or moving to a new Windows 11 PC for its most secure computing experience. Check Microsoft’s upgrade guidance.
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