The Windows 10 ESU program for home users ends on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. That’s tomorrow. After that date, Microsoft stops sending security fixes to Windows 10 PCs, so enrolling today is the last chance to stay patched.
The good news: you can still enroll for free, and it takes a couple of minutes.
Here are the facts at a glance.
- Deadline: October 13, 2026, for both enrollment and coverage.
- Who’s affected: home PCs running Windows 10 version 22H2 (Home, Pro, Pro Education, Workstation).
- Cost: free if you sync settings or use Rewards points, or about $30 to pay.
- After the deadline: your PC still runs, but it gets no new security patches.
What the Windows 10 ESU program actually does
Windows 10 reached its official end of support in October 2025. The Extended Security Updates program gave home users one more year of security-only patches. You get no new features and no tech support.
According to a Microsoft Q&A thread, you can enroll any time until the program ends on October 13, 2026. Enrolling late does not extend your coverage past that date, so there’s no benefit to waiting.
How to enroll in Windows 10 ESU for free
You have three ways in. Two are free, and one costs a one-time fee, as Evetech reported in July.
| Option | Cost | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Sync settings | Free | Back up your PC settings to a Microsoft account |
| Microsoft Rewards | Free | Redeem 1,000 Rewards points |
| One-time payment | About $30 plus tax | A Microsoft account and a payment method |
Syncing settings is the easiest route for most people. You’re backing up preferences you probably already have in the cloud.
Step-by-step
Open Settings, then Update & Security, then Windows Update. If your PC qualifies, you’ll see an enrollment prompt there. Follow it, sign in with your Microsoft account, and pick your option.
No prompt? Your PC may not be on version 22H2. Install the latest Windows 10 update first, restart, and check again.
What happens if you miss the Windows 10 ESU deadline
Nothing dramatic happens on day one. Your apps, files and games keep working. The risk grows slowly, because every new security hole found after October 13 stays open on your PC.
That matters most if you browse, shop or bank on it. Your browser may keep updating for a while, which helps. The operating system underneath is the part that goes unpatched, and that’s where most serious attacks start.
Microsoft’s own Q&A says the earlier patches aren’t lost if you enroll late. You still have to enroll before the program closes.
Better long-term fix: move to Windows 11
ESU is a bridge, and this one is ending. If your PC meets the requirements, the Windows 11 upgrade is free from a valid Windows 10 license. Run Microsoft’s PC Health Check app to see if you qualify.
If you do move, our guides can help. See what changes in the Windows 11 26H2 rollout, and what to check about Memory Integrity turning on for more PCs before you upgrade.
If your PC can’t run Windows 11, you have three choices: replace it, switch to a lightweight Linux distro, or keep using Windows 10 offline or for low-risk tasks only.
Which path fits you after October 13?
Your best move depends on your PC. This table sums up the three realistic routes.
| Your situation | Best move | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| PC meets Windows 11 requirements | Upgrade to Windows 11 (free) | Some older drivers and apps may need updates |
| PC is too old for Windows 11 | Replace the PC, or try a Linux distro | Costs money or a learning curve |
| Can’t change anything yet | Enroll in ESU today, limit risky use | No patches after October 13 |
Whichever you pick, back up your files first. A cloud copy plus an external drive covers most mistakes.
Quick checklist before midnight
If you only do four things today, make them these.
- Confirm you’re on Windows 10 version 22H2 and install pending updates.
- Enroll in ESU from Windows Update using the free option that suits you.
- Run PC Health Check to see if Windows 11 is possible.
- Back up photos and documents to the cloud or a drive.
Doing these now saves a scramble later, and the enrollment step is the only one with a hard deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Windows 10 ESU really free?
It can be. Syncing your settings to a Microsoft account or redeeming 1,000 Rewards points costs nothing. The paid option is about $30 plus tax.
Can I still enroll in Windows 10 ESU after October 13?
No. Microsoft says the program ends on that date, and I found no sign of a consumer extension. Check Microsoft’s support page in case that changes.
Will my Windows 10 PC stop working?
No. It keeps running normally. It just won’t get new security fixes.
Do I need Windows 10 version 22H2 for ESU?
Yes. The enrollment path requires version 22H2 in Home, Pro, Pro Education or Workstation editions.
My take
Enroll today, even if you plan to upgrade next month. It’s free, it’s quick, and it covers you while you sort out Windows 11 or a new PC. After that, treat October 13 as the date to stop relying on Windows 10 for anything sensitive.
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