Windows 10 End of Support Options for a Free 1-Year Extension

Written with the help of AI Research Assistants: Claude.ai, Perplexity.ai and Google Gemini

Part of a series: Windows 10 end-of-life

Windows 10 lives beyond End of Support!

At this time, it is estimated that there are 700 million devices on Windows 10 still in operation world-wide (and probably out in space too!) Out of those, it is thought that are at least 240 million PCs that are not capable of updating as they do not meet the Windows 11 minimum capabilities like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot for example.

If you’re a Windows 10 user concerned about the upcoming end of support, you’re not alone. With many devices unable to upgrade to Windows 11, Microsoft has announced a surprising new path forward: several free and affordable ways to keep your PC secure for another year.

Support for Windows 10 has been extended for a year, pushing the cliff edge from October 2025 to October 2026, but there are some requirements. Here is what you need to know about the new Windows 10 support extension options and how you can take advantage of them:

• Windows 10 support is being extended for many users, past the original October 14, 2025 end date.
• You can get free security updates until October 13, 2026 if you either:
  • Link your Microsoft account and sync settings to the cloud with Windows Backup.
  • Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
• If you want to keep a local account and don’t want to sync or redeem points, you can pay $30 for another year of support.
• This option will appear in Windows starting in August 2025 via a notification/wizard.
• Businesses must pay higher fees (starting at $61/device, doubles yearly) for up to 3 more years of support.
• Cloud PC users get updates automatically with their subscription.
• The move is because many users cannot upgrade to Windows 11, so Microsoft is giving more ways to stay secure on Windows 10

References:

• See also my Windows 10 End-of-Life Series
• Windows 10 users can get extended security updates for 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points
• Microsoft Warns 240 Million Windows Users—Stop Using Your PC
• Microsoft Extends Deadline For Windows 10 Users To 2026
• Microsoft Extends Windows 10 Security Updates for One Year 
• Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program
• Microsoft opens a free tier for Windows 10 extended updates
• Microsoft gives up, extends Windows 10’s support for free if you meet the requirements

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