Microsoft extends free Windows 10 security updates into 2026 - with a catch

[Daniel Sims]

In brief: Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 10 this October despite its enduring popularity and the fact that hundreds of millions of usable PCs don't support Windows 11. The company recently introduced a new option for personal devices to receive another year of security updates, but it requires using OneDrive.

After Windows 10 reaches end-of-life status on October 14, users who enroll in Windows Backup will continue receiving security updates through October 13, 2026, at no extra cost. The service automatically uploads personal files to OneDrive, but storing more than 5GB requires a paid subscription.

This option registers users in Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which was previously only available for enterprise devices. Personal devices can also be enrolled with a one-time payment of $30 or 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.

Users can activate Windows Backup by searching for it in the taskbar search field, selecting the app when it appears in the results, and clicking "Continue." However, OneDrive only offers up to 5GB of free storage. A $20 annual Microsoft 365 Basic subscription includes 100GB, while a $100 Personal tier offers 1TB, and a $130 family subscription adds 1TB per person for up to six people.

Meanwhile, companies can purchase ESU for $61 per device, with the price doubling each year until the service ends in 2028. Microsoft 365 subscribers also receive Windows 10 and Microsoft Office security updates through 2028. The non-subscription versions of Office 2021 and 2024 receive free security updates through October 2026 and 2029, respectively.

Furthermore, all Windows Defender users on Windows 10 will continue receiving malware definitions through at least October 2028. Unofficial updates will be available from 0patch for at least another five years.

Microsoft is likely making the concessions because, despite the looming end of support, Windows 10 remains slightly more popular than its successor. Windows 11's unusually high system requirements are likely a major reason. The OS generally only supports processors made after 2017, potentially leaving up to 240 million otherwise serviceable devices unable to upgrade.

While Microsoft wants those users to buy new PCs, ESUs will give them at least another year to figure out how to avoid creating a mountain of e-waste. Some groups are promoting the radical option of converting older machines to Linux, which is more secure and supports millions of PCs that can't upgrade to Windows 11.

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Microsoft extends free Windows 10 security updates into 2026 – with a catch

 

[GeoffreyA]

People should consider enabling ESU with MAS.

 

[JamesBlond]

There is no need for Windows 11, 12, 13, 15...
All you need is ABRAIN, ever since people started using it the world has been a better place

 

[AnilD]

"We'll keep your computer alive, but only if you let us babysit your files in OneDrive and maybe upsell you a cloud storage plan."

Love how they buried the actual fix: just install Linux and be done with it. You get updates, no forced cloud syncing, and your 2015 laptop suddenly feels like it got a second life. It's like finding out your grandma’s station wagon can outrun a Tesla if you just change the engine.

 

[BuckarooBonzaii]

I believe most times companies will toss things out there to get reactions and then adjust accordingly. They spend a lot of money on Market Psychology Firms.

 

[JamesBlond]

I have a sneaky suspision that its not about security

 

[jeffbert]

$$$$$$$$$$$$!

 

[DrCaravaggio]

OneDrive sucks. Can't go for that. No can do!!!

 

[Underdog]

They thing we're all stupid...............or easily deceived.

 

[LimyG]

Hilarious. I predicted several times and posted that they would extent it.

The caveat: It's MS so they make it awkward. I use a local account, and never use, blocked GPO one drive. It will stay that way. I won't enroll in anything.

There are at least two good programs that update windows 10. My windows 10 update is broken totally due to permission changes, however easy to use MS WSUS, but more recently using a wonderful free program that works much better than built in Windows update.

It's called "Windows Update mini Tool." It's free. It's exe. (no installation and works flawlessly, there are options too. Win update only. Drivers or not. WinUpdate with Microsoft update. Just check. Just check and download, Or check dowload and install. It's worked flawlessly for me for the past 4 months. Fully patched PC. Oh, it will also update store apps too. I don't have the store on my pc so that's irrelevant for me.
No edge either.

I wanted to say, it's simply better than using the built in windows update, even for a basic user who never tweaks anything. As we have choices. - Wow, what concept MS!!
The updates are directly from MS, the prog is like a middleman and can install them, even though my Windows update is obliterated. It's nice to have a fast OS. Something that MS will never offer.

MS only offers Fat pigs as OSs. After literally years of training, my Fat pig is now almost as fast as a Cheeta. There is always more to be done. It's fun, very educational, and shoving it to the Pig farm company MS. Ha Ha.