Microsoft Offers Free Windows 10 Security Updates as End-of-Support Deadline Looms
Tech giant introduces Extended Security Updates program with multiple enrollment options as October 2025 deadline approaches
July 23, 2025
Microsoft Corporation has announced a significant policy shift regarding Windows 10's end-of-life timeline, offering users multiple pathways to receive free security updates for an additional year beyond the operating system's scheduled end-of-support date. The move comes as the tech giant faces the reality that more than half of Windows users worldwide continue to rely on the decade-old operating system.
The End-of-Support Challenge
Windows 10, which launched in July 2015, is set to reach its official end-of-support date on October 14, 2025. After nearly a decade of service, Microsoft will cease providing security updates, feature updates, and technical support for the platform. However, with Windows 10 maintaining a 53.19% global market share compared to Windows 11's 43% as of May 2025, Microsoft faces the prospect of leaving hundreds of millions of devices vulnerable to security threats.
"As technology evolves, phasing out older operating systems and upgrading to newer versions is a natural part of the lifecycle—one that helps ensure you have the latest security features and innovations," Microsoft Executive Vice President Yusuf Mehdi explained in a recent blog post. "We understand that moving to a new PC can take time, and we're here to support you every step of the way."
The Extended Security Updates Solution
Microsoft's answer to this challenge is the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which the company describes as a "last resort option" designed to provide a bridge for users transitioning to newer platforms. The program will deliver monthly critical and important security updates from October 15, 2025, through October 13, 2026.
What sets this program apart from previous ESU offerings is Microsoft's introduction of free enrollment options alongside the traditional paid tier. Starting in July 2025, Windows 10 users can choose from three enrollment pathways:
Free Options:
- Windows Backup Integration: Users can enroll at no cost by enabling Windows Backup to sync their PC settings to Microsoft's cloud via a Microsoft Account
- Microsoft Rewards Redemption: Users with 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points can redeem them for free ESU access
Paid Option:
- Direct Payment: Users can pay $30 USD (with local pricing variations) for one year of extended security updates
Technical Requirements and Limitations
To be eligible for the ESU program, devices must be running Windows 10, version 22H2. Users can utilize their ESU license on up to 10 devices once enrolled, and enrollment is possible at any time until the program ends on October 13, 2026.
However, the program comes with important limitations. ESU coverage includes only critical and important security updates as defined by the Microsoft Security Response Center. The program does not provide new features, non-security updates, design change requests, or technical support.
Corporate and Enterprise Options
For commercial organizations, Microsoft offers ESU subscriptions at $61 USD per device for the first year, with annual renewals available for up to three years at increasing costs. This option is currently available through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Program and will be offered by Cloud Service Providers starting September 1, 2025.
Organizations with Windows 10 devices accessing Windows 11 Cloud PCs through Windows 365 or Virtual Machines are entitled to ESU at no additional cost and will automatically receive security updates.
Strategic Implications
Industry analysts view Microsoft's decision to offer free ESU options as a strategic move to maintain user engagement with Microsoft's ecosystem while encouraging cloud service adoption. The Windows Backup option effectively requires users to utilize Microsoft's OneDrive service, which provides 5GB of free storage but encourages upgrades to paid Microsoft 365 subscriptions for additional capacity.
"If you're paying for Microsoft 365 – likely to get Office 365 – then you get a year more of updates," noted technology publication The Register in their analysis of the program.
Current Rollout Status
The ESU enrollment wizard is currently available to Windows Insiders and began rolling out to Windows 10 customers in July 2025, with broad availability expected by mid-August. Users will see enrollment options through notifications and in Settings under Update & Security > Windows Update when the feature becomes available on their devices.
Microsoft's Broader Windows 11 Push
While offering the ESU program, Microsoft continues to emphasize Windows 11 as the preferred path forward. The company has been promoting the performance and security benefits of Windows 11, particularly highlighting new Copilot+ PCs and the integration of AI-powered features.
"Windows 11 is the faster, better, safer option Microsoft wants the 700 million Windows 10 holdouts to move to," the company has stated, while acknowledging the practical challenges users face in upgrading hardware that may not meet Windows 11's system requirements.
Recent data from Microsoft indicates that Windows 11 24H2 has achieved significant reliability improvements, with failure rates for unexpected restarts dropping by 24% compared to Windows 10 22H2.
Looking Ahead
The ESU program represents a temporary solution designed to provide users with additional time to plan their transition strategy. Microsoft has made clear that the program is not intended as a long-term alternative to upgrading but rather as a bridge to help users maintain security during their migration to newer platforms.
As the October 2025 deadline approaches, Windows 10 users face a critical decision point: upgrade to Windows 11 if their hardware supports it, purchase new Windows 11-compatible devices, enroll in the ESU program for extended security support, or accept the risks of running an unsupported operating system.
The success of Microsoft's ESU program may ultimately determine how smoothly the technology industry navigates one of the largest operating system transitions in recent history, affecting hundreds of millions of users worldwide.
SIDEBAR: Microsoft's Windows 11 Strategy - The Subscription Economy Shift- You Will Own Nothing and be Happy
Microsoft's approach to Windows 11 represents a fundamental shift in the company's business model, moving from traditional one-time software purchases toward a recurring revenue subscription economy that promises enhanced corporate profits and predictable income streams.
The Subscription Revenue Model
Under CEO Satya Nadella's leadership, Microsoft has systematically transformed its product portfolio into subscription-based services. Windows 11's integration with Microsoft 365, OneDrive, and cloud services creates multiple touchpoints for recurring revenue generation. The "free" ESU program requiring Windows Backup exemplifies this strategy - users must engage with Microsoft's cloud ecosystem, often leading to paid Microsoft 365 subscriptions for additional storage and features.
Industry analysts estimate that Microsoft's commercial cloud revenue has grown to over $100 billion annually, with Office 365 and related services contributing significantly to this figure. The Windows 11 ecosystem is designed to funnel users into this high-margin subscription model.
Hardware Partnership Revenue Streams
Windows 11's stringent hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0 chips and specific processor generations, effectively force hardware upgrades across the global PC market. Microsoft benefits through:
- OEM Licensing Fees: Every new Windows 11 PC generates licensing revenue
- Surface Device Sales: Microsoft's own hardware division benefits from upgrade cycles
- Enterprise Agreements: Volume licensing deals for organizations upgrading entire fleets
AI and Copilot+ Monetization
The introduction of Copilot+ PCs represents Microsoft's latest revenue diversification strategy. These AI-enhanced devices require premium hardware specifications and create opportunities for:
- Premium Licensing Tiers: Higher-cost Windows editions with AI features
- Azure AI Services: Backend processing power sold as cloud services
- Enterprise AI Tools: B2B solutions built on the Windows 11 platform
Market Control and Competitive Positioning
By establishing Windows 11 as the gateway to Microsoft's broader ecosystem, the company strengthens its competitive moat against rivals like Google and Apple. The operating system becomes a platform for cross-selling services including:
- Microsoft Teams for collaboration
- Azure cloud computing services
- Xbox Game Pass integration
- LinkedIn Premium services
Long-term Revenue Predictability
The subscription model provides Microsoft with several strategic advantages:
- Predictable Cash Flow: Monthly and annual subscriptions create steady revenue streams
- Higher Customer Lifetime Value: Recurring payments typically exceed one-time purchase values
- Reduced Piracy Impact: Cloud-connected services are harder to pirate than standalone software
- Data Monetization: User data from integrated services creates advertising and analytics opportunities
Financial analysts project that Microsoft's shift toward subscription services could increase the company's profit margins by 15-20% over the next five years, with Windows 11 serving as the primary customer acquisition and retention vehicle.
This strategic transformation explains why Microsoft is willing to offer "free" Windows 10 security updates - the short-term cost is offset by the long-term value of migrating users into their profitable subscription ecosystem.
Sources
- Microsoft Learn. "Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10." Microsoft Documentation. Accessed July 23, 2025. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/extended-security-updates
- Microsoft Support. "Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program." Microsoft Support Documentation. Accessed July 23, 2025. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-consumer-extended-security-updates-esu-program-33e17de9-36b3-43bb-874d-6c53d2e4bf42
- Microsoft Learn. "Enable Extended Security Updates (ESU)." Microsoft Documentation. Accessed July 23, 2025. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/enable-extended-security-updates
- Parmar, Mayank. "First look at 'Stay on Windows 10 for free' ESU tool after October 14." Windows Latest, June 26, 2025. https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/06/26/first-look-at-stay-on-windows-10-for-free-esu-tool-after-october-14/
- Bowden, Zac. "Microsoft makes Windows 10 security updates FREE for an extra year — but there's a catch, and you might not like it." Windows Central, June 25, 2025. https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-10/windows-10-esu-support-free-updates-cloud-backup
- Cimpanu, Catalin. "Windows 10 users can get extended security updates using Microsoft points." BleepingComputer, June 25, 2025. https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-windows-10-extended-security-updates-available-using-reward-points/
- Mehdi, Yusuf. "Stay secure with Windows 11, Copilot+ PCs and Windows 365 before support ends for Windows 10." Windows Experience Blog, June 24, 2025. https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2025/06/24/stay-secure-with-windows-11-copilot-pcs-and-windows-365-before-support-ends-for-windows-10/
- Goodin, Dan. "Microsoft opens a free tier for Windows 10 extended updates." The Register, June 25, 2025. https://www.theregister.com/2025/06/25/microsoft_free_esu_tier/
- Kumar, Ravie Lakshmanan. "Microsoft Extends Windows 10 Security Updates for One Year with New Enrollment Options." The Hacker News, June 25, 2025. https://thehackernews.com/2025/06/microsoft-extends-windows-10-security.html
- Singh, Kapil. "Free Windows 10 extended updates if you use a Microsoft Account." Your Windows Guide, July 8, 2025. https://www.yourwindowsguide.com/2025/06/windows-10-extended-updates-program.html
- Doffman, Zak. "'Starting Today'—Microsoft Confirms Free Windows Update." Forbes, July 23, 2025. https://forbes.com
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