Windows 10 Extended Security Updates for Consumers

Initially Microsoft indicated they would charge home users $30 for the one year of ESU for Windows 10.

However, they recently indicated that they will now provide one year of free ESU for all users that have hardware that cannot be upgraded to Windows 11.

All a home user needs to do is ensure they are logged into Widows 10 with a Microsoft account and that they have enabled the account syncing settings in the settings app, they will then automatically be offered the free ESU, that offer is currently starting to roll out and will appear on the Windows update section in the Settings app.

It will be available to order by the end of August.

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Enroll in ESU

ESU is rolling out to all Windows 10 devices that are running Windows 10, version 22H2 starting with Windows Insiders.

To enroll your device in ESU:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security >Windows Update. If your device meets the prerequisites, you’ll see a link to enroll in ESU.
2. Once you select Enroll now you’ll start the ESU enrollment. If you are signed into Windows with a local account, you will be prompted to sign into your Microsoft account. If you are already backing up your PC Settings, you will see a prompt to enroll your device. 
3. If you aren’t backing up your Windows settings, you can choose if you want to begin backing up your settings, redeem Rewards, or make a one-time purchase to enroll in ESU.
   1. You can use your existing ESU license on up to 10 devices once you enroll in ESU. Just go to Settings > Update & Security >Windows Update and select Enroll now.

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When will I start to receive critical security updates with ESU?

The ESU program delivers critical and important security updates for enrolled Windows 10 PCs after the last day of support for Windows 10. These security updates will be delivered through Windows Update as they're made available.

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Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program

The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 provides customers with a more secure option to continue using their Windows 10 PCs without updating to Windows 11, mitigating the risk of malware and cybersecurity attacks. ESU program enrollment provides access to critical and important security updates as defined by the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC). ESU enrollment does not provide other types of fixes, feature improvements, or product enhancements. It also does not come with technical support. 

The last day of support for Windows 10 is October 14, 2025. If you need more time to move to Windows 11, we recommend you enroll your Windows 10 device in ESU. You can enroll in ESU any time until the program ends on October 13, 2026. 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Prerequisites

To enroll in the consumer ESU program, make sure your device meets the following requirements:

• Devices need to be running Windows 10, version 22H2 Home, Professional, Pro Education, or Workstation edition
• Devices need to have the latest update installed
• The Microsoft account used to sign in to the device must be an administrator account
  • The ESU license is tied to your Microsoft account, so you may be prompted to sign in if you typically sign into Windows with a local account 
  • The Microsoft Account can’t be a child account

Consumer ESU program cost

You can enroll in ESU by one of the following three ways:

At no additional cost if you are syncing your PC Settings

Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points

One-time purchase of $30 USD or local currency equivalent plus applicable tax

All enrollment options provide extended security updates through October 13, 2026. You will need to sign into your Microsoft account in order to enroll in ESU. You’ll be given these options to choose from when you enroll in the ESU program. You can use your existing ESU license on up to 10 devices.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-consumer-extended-security-updates-esu-program-33e17de9-36b3-43bb-874d-6c53d2e4bf42

Well, I was able to complete Windows 10 ESU on 3 computers without any problem. However a 4th and also one of a relative refuse to show the option of "Enroll" after all requirements are met.

The link https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5489827/how-to-enroll-windows-10-in-extended-security-upda gives more information. Windows Build is easy to find. However all the possible files updates KB5046613 in the Microsoft catalog did not apply for my computer. I do not see KB5046613 in the "Installed updates" either.

One thing I want to add: on the computers on which Windows 10 ESU did work, it displayed the message that updates will be available till 14 October 2026. However, when I try to find that message now, it cannot be found. I was told that after completing enrollment and closing Windows Update, the message is no longer available.