Microsoft is offering more options for users who want to continue using Windows 10 beyond its official end-of-support date. Starting today, individuals can opt into the company’s Extended Security Update (ESU) program through a notification or by accessing it in the Settings app. The one-time payment of $30 will provide a single year of additional security updates.
In addition to paying for ESU updates, users can also earn 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points to cover the cost. For those who already have Windows Backup installed on their PC, they’ll be eligible for a free year of ESU updates.
The offers don’t extend the end-of-support date, but they provide an additional year of free updates for consumer PCs. Businesses and organizations will need to pay for the privilege. Microsoft plans to support its Office apps on Windows 10 until 2028. Users can expect notifications about the offer through July, with the program rolling out to all eligible PCs by mid-August.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/06/microsoft-extends-free-windows-10-security-updates-into-2026-with-strings-attached