Microsoft announced a few years ago that it would end its support forWindows 10However, as the deadline approaches, Microsoft recently announced an update called "Extended Security Updates," which will give users an extra year to ensure their devices continue to receive security maintenance. Some users can even apply for this extended service for free.
Extend the update for one year to let the old machine last a little longer
According to a Microsoft announcement, Windows 10 will continue to be available after October 14th, but will stop receiving pre-installed security updates and vulnerability patches, leaving the system increasingly vulnerable to malicious attacks. To address this, Microsoft is offering "Extended Security Updates," which will provide an additional year of security updates, giving businesses and individual users more time to prepare before upgrading to Windows 11.
Originally, this extended update service required an annual fee of approximately $30 per device, but Microsoft is now offering a free plan in some markets (such as the United States). Users can simply go to the "Update & Security" page in the system settings menu and click "Enroll Now" to join the "Extended Security Updates" update plan. Once completed, they will be able to continue receiving security updates until October 2026.
Free plan has conditions: bind Microsoft cloud account
However, this "free extension" isn't completely unconditional. To apply for Extended Security Updates, users must have a Microsoft account linked to their system and have OneDrive cloud backup enabled. This means users who previously chose to log in offline or not use cloud services at all will now have to integrate with Microsoft's cloud ecosystem.
In addition, OneDrive's free storage capacity is only 5GB. If the backup exceeds the limit, additional storage fees will still be required. Users can close some folders (such as "Documents", "Pictures", and "Videos") in the settings to keep the backup capacity within the free quota.
Why not just upgrade to Windows 11?
For devices that meet the hardware specifications, Microsoft still recommends upgrading directly to Windows 11 to ensure continued access to long-term technical support and the latest AI features. However, since many older computers cannot pass the required built-in TPM 2.0 security system or CPU compatibility tests, many users choose to remain on Windows 10 for the time being.
For these people, Extended Security Updates provides a transitional solution that doesn't require immediate device replacement, allowing them to maintain system security. While this is only a short-term solution, it will at least buy hundreds of millions of Windows 10 devices still in operation an extra year before the AI PC generation transition.
Conclusion: Microsoft's "life-extending drug"
Windows 10, having been released in 2015, has entered its tenth year and remains one of the most popular operating systems worldwide. Now nearing the end of its lifespan, Microsoft has chosen to provide a "grace period" in the form of "Extended Security Updates." This not only aligns with its security responsibilities but also reflects the company's strategic pace in advancing the next-generation Windows 11. It also underscores that the era of Windows 10 is truly drawing to a close.
