Windows 10 ESU: Cost, Eligibility and How to Enrol

Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. PCs running Windows 10 still work, but they no longer receive standard Windows security updates unless they are enrolled in the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme.

This guide explains how Windows 10 ESU works for home users, including its cost, eligibility requirements, end date and enrolment steps. It also compares Windows 10 ESU with upgrading to Windows 11.

What Is Windows 10 ESU?

Windows 10 Extended Security Updates, commonly called Windows 10 ESU, is a temporary Microsoft programme for people who need more time before moving to Windows 11.

For eligible consumer devices, Windows 10 ESU provides critical and important security updates until October 12, 2027. It does not extend full Windows 10 support or add new features.

What Happened When Windows 10 Support Ended?

Windows 10 reached the end of support on October 14, 2025. Your computer will not suddenly stop working, and your existing files and applications will remain available.

However, a standard Windows 10 installation no longer receives:

• Regular Windows security updates
• Software and reliability fixes
• New Windows features
• General technical support for the operating system

Continuing to use an unpatched operating system can increase your exposure to malware, security vulnerabilities and compatibility problems over time. Your two main options are to upgrade to Windows 11 or enrol in Windows 10 ESU.

Windows 10 ESU vs Windows 11: Which Should You Choose?

Choose Windows 11 if:

• Your computer meets the Windows 11 hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, sufficient storage and a supported processor.
• You want ongoing security updates rather than temporary coverage ending in 2026.
• You want new Windows features, performance improvements and full operating system support.
• Your existing applications and devices are compatible with Windows 11.

Choose Windows 10 ESU if:

• Your computer cannot meet the Windows 11 system requirements.
• You intend to replace your computer but need additional time.
• You rely on software or hardware that is not yet ready for Windows 11.
• You understand that ESU provides security updates only and ends on October 12, 2027.

What Does Windows 10 ESU Include?

Windows 10 ESU provides a limited layer of protection for eligible Windows 10 version 22H2 computers after the end of standard support.

Windows 10 ESU includes:

• Critical and important Windows 10 security updates
• Security coverage until October 12, 2027, for eligible consumer devices
• Coverage for up to 10 eligible devices connected to the same Microsoft account

Windows 10 ESU does not include:

• New Windows features
• Design changes or feature improvements
• Most non-security fixes
• General Windows 10 technical support
• Security coverage beyond October 12, 2027, for consumer devices

How Much Does Windows 10 ESU Cost?

Microsoft provides several ways for eligible consumers to enrol in Windows 10 ESU. The exact options available may differ by country or region.

• Windows Backup option: Enrol at no additional cost by syncing eligible PC settings through Windows Backup.
• Microsoft Rewards option: Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points where this option is available.
• Paid option: Make a one-time purchase of US$30 or the local equivalent, plus any applicable tax.

The Windows 10 ESU licence is associated with your Microsoft account and may cover up to 10 eligible devices connected to that account.

Important: Paying for ESU does not provide a full year of coverage from the purchase date. Consumer Windows 10 ESU ends on October 12, 2027, regardless of when you enrol.

Windows 10 ESU Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the consumer Windows 10 ESU programme, your device generally needs to meet the following requirements:

• Run Windows 10 version 22H2
• Use an eligible edition, such as Windows 10 Home, Pro, Pro Education or Pro for Workstations
• Have the latest available Windows updates installed
• Be signed in with a Microsoft account that has administrator privileges
• Not use a child Microsoft account for enrolment
• Meet Microsoft’s consumer-device management requirements

Consumer ESU may not be available for devices managed through certain business systems, including some domain-joined, Microsoft Entra-joined or mobile-device-management configurations. Organisations should review Microsoft’s separate commercial Windows 10 ESU licensing guidance.

How to Check Your Windows 10 Version

Windows 10 ESU requires Windows 10 version 22H2. To check your current version:

1. Press Windows key + R.
2. Enter winver.
3. Select OK.
4. Check whether the window displays Version 22H2.

If you are using an earlier version, open Windows Update and install all available updates before attempting to enrol.

How to Enrol in Windows 10 ESU

1. Open Settings on your Windows 10 PC.
2. Go to Update & Security.
3. Select Windows Update.
4. Install any outstanding Windows updates and restart the computer if requested.
5. Return to Windows Update and select Enroll now when the Windows 10 ESU option appears.
6. Sign in with an eligible administrator Microsoft account.
7. Select an available enrolment option:
   • Sync your PC settings using Windows Backup
   • Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, where available
   • Make a one-time US$30 purchase or pay the local equivalent
8. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the enrolment.
9. Return to Windows Update to confirm that the PC is enrolled.

You can repeat the enrolment process on up to 10 eligible Windows 10 devices using the same Microsoft account.

Why Is the Windows 10 ESU Enrolment Option Missing?

If you cannot see the Enroll now option in Windows Update, check the following:

• Your computer is running Windows 10 version 22H2.
• All available Windows updates have been installed.
• You are signed in with an administrator Microsoft account.
• The Microsoft account is not a child account.
• Your computer is eligible for the consumer ESU programme.
• The enrolment option is available in your region.

Restart the computer and check Windows Update again after installing all pending updates.

How to Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11

If your computer meets the Windows 11 requirements, upgrading is usually the better long-term option because Windows 10 consumer ESU ends in October 2027.

Check Windows 11 compatibility

Before upgrading, confirm that your computer meets the Windows 11 requirements. Important requirements include:

• A compatible 64-bit processor
• TPM 2.0
• Secure Boot capability
• At least 4 GB of RAM
• At least 64 GB of storage

A Windows 11 product key activates Windows 11, but it does not bypass Microsoft’s hardware requirements. Check compatibility before purchasing a licence.

Windows 11 upgrade checklist

• Back up important files using OneDrive or an external drive.
• Install all available Windows 10 updates.
• Check your applications and peripherals for Windows 11 compatibility.
• Ensure that the computer is connected to power.
• Keep sufficient free storage available for the installation.
• Install all pending updates after completing the Windows 11 upgrade.

Eligible Windows 10 devices may be offered a free upgrade through Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

Users who need a new Windows licence can compare Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro product keys from Brytesoft.

Windows 10 ESU and Microsoft 365 Apps

Microsoft plans to continue providing security updates for Microsoft 365 Apps running on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028. This applies to applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

However, these Microsoft 365 updates protect the applications, not the Windows 10 operating system. You still need Windows 10 ESU to receive eligible Windows operating system security updates through October 12, 2027.

Feature updates and support conditions for Microsoft 365 Apps may also differ from their security-update schedule.

Windows 10 ESU vs Windows 11 Comparison

Which Option Is Best for You?

Your PC supports Windows 11

Upgrade to Windows 11. This avoids another operating system transition when consumer Windows 10 ESU ends on October 12, 2027.

Your PC does not support Windows 11

Enrol in Windows 10 ESU as a temporary security measure while planning to replace your computer with a Windows 11-compatible device.

You depend on older software or equipment

Use the ESU period to test your essential software, printers and other devices with Windows 11. ESU should be treated as transition time rather than a permanent alternative to upgrading.

You use Microsoft 365 Apps but cannot upgrade yet

Windows 10 ESU can protect the eligible operating system through October 12, 2027, while Microsoft 365 Apps are scheduled to receive security updates on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028. These are separate update programmes.

Next Steps

If your computer supports Windows 11: Upgrade to a supported version of Windows 11. Compare Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro product keys, then follow the Windows 11 download, installation and activation guide.

If you need to remain on Windows 10 temporarily: Install all available Windows 10 updates and check Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update for the Windows 10 ESU enrolment option.

For current programme terms, regional availability and enrolment requirements, review the official Microsoft Windows 10 Extended Security Updates page.