Windows 10 Reaches End of Life: What It Means for Your PC
Today marks a milestone: Microsoft has moved Windows 10 to end-of-life support. Your PC will still function, but security updates will stop by default. That doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. You have options to keep your system secure while you plan your next upgrade. This article focuses on the easiest path—Extended Security Updates (ESU)—which can be free for many users in the United States.
What is Extended Security Updates (ESU)?
ESU is Microsoft’s way of providing continued security updates for Windows 10 for a set period after official support ends. Originally a paid option, there’s now a widely available free path for many users, particularly in the US. ESU aims to bridge the gap between end of life and a full hardware/software upgrade, helping protect devices from emerging threats.
Step-by-Step: Is Your PC Eligible?
Step 1 — Check your current version: Go to Settings > System > About and confirm your Windows 10 version. If you’re not up-to-date with the latest Windows 10 updates, install them to ensure eligibility for ESU steps that follow.
Step 2 — Use an administrator account: If your PC is shared, sign in with the administrator account. You’ll usually see “Administrator” under the user name. You can verify this in Settings > Your Info.
Step 3 — See if Windows 11 is available for upgrade: If you’re presented with a free upgrade option to Windows 11, this is the simplest path to stay current. Choose it if your device meets the requirements and you want a seamless transition.
Step 4 — Enroll in ESU: If Windows 11 isn’t available or you prefer to stay on Windows 10 for a while longer, head to Settings > Update & Security and look for the ESU enrollment option. Click “Enroll Now.” If you don’t see this link, ensure your Windows 10 updates are fully current.
Step 5 — Choose your enrollment method: ESU enrollment offers a few routes. The easiest is to back up your PC settings and data (recommended). Sign in with your administrator account to begin. In the US, the free ESU path may require linking your Windows login to a Microsoft cloud service. If you’re using a local Windows login, this is the main trade-off for the no-cost extension.
Step 6 — Manage backups within the free quota: The free ESU backup typically covers the first 5 GB of data via a cloud backup (OneDrive). You can toggle off categories you don’t need to stay within that limit, such as Documents or Videos, to begin with. This keeps your data protected without incurring charges while you weigh upgrades.
Step 7 — Confirm enrollment: After signing in and selecting Add Device, you’ll see a confirmation that the device is enrolled to receive Extended Security Updates. From here, you’ll receive security fixes for another 12 months, giving you time to plan the next move.
What Happens After ESU expires?
Without ESU or a formal upgrade, your system will continue to operate but will miss critical security patches. If you want ongoing protection beyond the extended year, you’ll need to pursue one of the other options: upgrade to Windows 11 (if eligible) or purchase a new PC with Windows 11 pre-installed. Other alternatives, like macOS or Chrome OS devices, are viable paths depending on your needs and workflow.
What to Consider Before Enrolling
ESU is a practical stopgap, not a permanent solution. As you plan, consider:
– Compatibility: Ensure your essential software and peripherals remain supported on Windows 10 or after migrating to Windows 11.
– Hardware readiness: Newer features in Windows 11 may require modest hardware changes or a full upgrade.
– Data security: Maintain regular backups and enable encryption where possible to safeguard information during this transition period.
Bottom Line
Windows 10 is entering end-of-life, but you don’t have to rush into a full upgrade. The ESU option, especially the free path available in the US, offers a practical one-year extension to security updates. Use this window to evaluate Windows 11 compatibility or a future hardware upgrade, and keep your files safe in the meantime.
