With Microsoft announcing a deadline of October 14, 2025, for Windows 10 support, millions of users need to make an important decision: upgrade to Windows 11, pay to continue receiving security updates, or use unsupported software and take the risks that come with it.
Fortunately, there is still a great option for you and that’s to keep using Windows 10 for free in 2025, but only if you know the rules and take action before the deadline. Here’s everything you need to know to stay secure and avoid spending a dime, the information was sourced from tech industry sources and Microsoft announcements.
What will happen on October 14, 2025?
As confirmed by Microsoft and reported by tech outlets, Windows 10 will reach its end of support date on October 14, 2025. Once this date arrives, most users will no longer receive security patches, technical support, or feature updates. Leaving their systems unprotected introduces the risk of new vulnerabilities, malware, and compatibility issues.
Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program
To help with the transition, Microsoft is introducing Extended Security Updates (ESU). This program was originally $30 for an additional year of updates, but after hearing public feedback, Microsoft is providing consumers with the choice of a limited time no-cost option, provided they act before the October date.
How to Enrol in Free ESU:
Check Windows Update:
- Open “Settings” then “Update & Security.”
- You should see “Windows Update”.
- You should see a message that the end of support date for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025.
- If you are eligible, you will see a prompt or a link to enroll in the ESU program.
Follow ESU Enrollment Process:
- Click the enrollment link and follow the prompts.
- If you don’t see it, Update your PC, reboot then check again. This feature may only populate with the latest updates.
Activate Extended Updates:
- Once enrolled, your system will receive security updates for one more year, until October 13, 2026, at no cost.
Other Free Alternatives: Microsoft Rewards & OneDrive Sync
- Microsoft Rewards: You can redeem enough Microsoft Rewards points (with as few as 1,000 points) to extend your Windows 10 security support for an additional year at no cost.
- OneDrive Backup: Users who are already using Windows Backup with One Drive (Microsoft’s cloud service) could also receive a free ESU extension. Caution: the free OneDrive limit of 5GB may or may not be enough for all users and would be an additional cost if more storage is needed.
Who’s eligible?
- Most consumers running legitimate up-to-date Windows 10 on compatible hardware should see this free ESU offer in the Windows Update panel.
- Enterprise and education users will have paid options, and pricing increases incrementally after the first year, and for individual consumers, the free extension is only valid until October 2026.
What updates will you get?
- Extended Security Updates to NOT include features or ordinary technical support, you will only be receiving critical security updates.
- As far as ordinary technical support and bug fixes, this will stop on October 14, 2025 – this option is only about keeping you secure and not offering any new features.
- The ESU also provides time for you to plan to transition to Windows 11 or a new PC while minimizing exposure to cyberattacks.
What’s the catch?
- The free ESU option is a one-time limited time offer. Once the enrollment deadline passes, you may have to pay or run an unsupported operating system.
- After October 13, 2026, Microsoft will not offer further ESU for free to home users; continued support beyond that will likely require paid plans or a system upgrade.
- For those with devices that can’t upgrade to Windows 11, you will need to come up with ultimate plans for migrating to safer alternatives.
For hardware not eligible to upgrade
There are analysts who estimate that over 240 million devices cannot be upgraded to Windows 11. This is extra incentive for these users to look into the free ESU program or, ultimately, migrate to supported alternatives such as Linux or Chromebooks.
For now, you can use Windows 10 for free – if you sign up in time. Check your system today, follow the official instructions and grab yourself a year’s peace of mind while you prepare for what comes next.