Microsoft has confirmed that enrolling a Windows 10 PC into the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program requires a Microsoft Account, but one ESU license covers up to 10 devices signed into the same account. The company’s original announcement suggested that users could avoid registering a Microsoft Account by paying $30 for the one-time purchase option.
However, this is no longer the case. According to a Microsoft support document, all enrollment options require a Microsoft Account, regardless of whether you pay $30 or use the free enrollment method that involves syncing your PC settings to OneDrive.
The good news is that one ESU license covers up to 10 devices signed into the same account, making it more reasonable than paying $30 per device. The bad news is that users will still need to register a Microsoft Account to receive continued security updates beyond Windows 10’s end of support date of October 14, 2025.
To enroll your PC in the ESU program, head to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click the “Enroll now” button. Users can choose from three enrollment options: one-time purchase for $30 USD, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, or free if they sync their PC settings to OneDrive.
The requirement for a Microsoft Account is likely due to allowing the ESU license to be bound to the user’s account, enabling it to cover up to 10 devices. This change applies to all users who want to enroll their Windows 10 PCs into the ESU program, which can now be done from today.
Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-10/microsoft-just-made-windows-10s-usd30-extended-support-program-an-even-better-deal-but-you-now-need-a-microsoft-account-to-pay-for-it