Many call that Microsoft will stop supporting the Windows 10 operating program on October 14, 2025. Yet after that date you can receive safety updates for a year to keep your W10 computer safe. In fact, there are no fewer than three options.
Rob Coenraads
Microsoft released Windows 10 on July 29, 2015 and since then many millions of Windows users have seen the well-known W10 windows on their screen. After the appearance of Windows 11, Microsoft would prefer that as many people as possible switch to this new operating system. However, from October 14 you can still safely use Windows 10; The information in this article was known when writing this article on 26 June. Microsoft reported on 24 June that there will be more options to protect your Windows 10 computer via the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. ESU delivers essential security updates monthly, but according to Microsoft it is not intended as a long-term solution: for example, it does not include new functions, non-security updates, requests for design changes or technical support.
Three options
For consumers who want to make safe use of Windows 10 after 14 October, there will be a ‘registration wizard’. This appears through reports and can be found in Institutions. With this you can easily register for ESU according to Microsoft. Via this registration wizard you can choose from three options:
- Use Windows backup. Via the Windows Back-up function you can store personal folders, apps and settings in OneDrive or in the cloud. Searing is that OneDrive is only free up to 5GB storage. If you really want to save more, you have to pay for this.
- 1000 Microsoft Rewards points. You can earn these points by, for example, performing searches via Bing (Microsoft’s search engine) or making purchases in the Microsoft Store. But this can also cost you money.
- Pay $ 30,-. Unfortunately, the price in euros is not yet known, but you can also buy the ESU program for Windows 10.
As soon as you select an option and follow the steps on the screen, your computer is automatically registered. The ESU coverage for personal devices runs from 15 October 2025 to 13 October 2026.
The registration wizard will be available in the Windows Insider program from 24 June. We advise you to use this unless you are a Windows expert. Just wait until it is rolled out as an option for Windows 10 customers in July. The broad availability is expected in mid -August.
Look especially at Pcactive.nl to stay informed of developments when you can use the registration wizard and also more explanation about the three options.