As of today, Microsoft has officially moved Windows 10 into ‘end of life’ status. This transition means that while Windows 10 PCs will still be operational, users will no longer receive essential security updates by default.
For users aiming to maintain the security of their devices, Microsoft lays out three options. First, users can upgrade to Windows 11 for free, provided their hardware is compatible. Second, they may opt to purchase a new PC with Windows 11 pre-installed or select alternative systems like a Mac or a Chromebook. Finally, there’s the option of signing up for Extended Security Updates (ESU), allowing users to continue using Windows 10 with some level of security for an additional year.
While the first two options involve either upgrading or purchasing new hardware, the third option—signing up for ESU—provides a temporary solution for users who may want to delay their transition to Windows 11. By enrolling in ESU, users can receive critical updates for an extended period, even as Microsoft phases out Windows 10 support.
It’s worth noting that at one point, Microsoft indicated that signing up for the 12-month ESU extension would cost users $30. However, recent updates now allow eligible Windows 10 users in the US to access these updates for free. Here’s how to navigate this process.
To begin, users should verify that their system is up to date. This can be done by navigating to Settings > System > About and checking the version number displayed there. If updates are needed, users must ensure that all available Windows 10 updates are installed to proceed.
Next, it’s crucial to confirm that users are signed in with an administrator account, especially for those sharing the device. Typically, the administrator account is the first one created on the system. Users can confirm this by checking under Settings > Your Info.
If eligible for the upgrade to Windows 11, users are encouraged to take that step as it will keep them in the Windows ecosystem. Should the option to upgrade not appear, users can continue with the ESU process for security updates.
To enroll in ESU, go to Update & Security within the Settings menu, where an “Enroll Now” sign-up link should be visible. If this link is not visible, it indicates that the latest Windows 10 updates might still need to be installed.
Enrolling in ESU provides users with several choices on how to proceed. The simplest method requires backing up PC settings. While this is a free option, it can be time-consuming as users need to secure their data before starting the enrollment process. Again, it’s important to use an administrator account for this procedure.
However, there are some caveats associated with the free ESU option, especially for US users. European users may receive this extension without any strings attached, but US users need to be aware of two key factors. The first is that users will have to link their Windows login to Microsoft’s cloud-based online service, something many may have already done through various Microsoft services. However, for those who prefer local logins, this requirement could be seen as a downside.
The second consideration involves the free backup service only applying to the first 5 GB of storage. For those with larger data needs, they would have to subscribe to Microsoft’s OneDrive services. Users can navigate to Settings > OneDrive to manage backup settings and disable options such as Documents, Pictures, and Videos if they want to stay within the free storage limit.
After signing in, there will be a prompt to add the device for receiving Extended Security Updates. Users simply need to click on ‘Add Device’ to complete the enrollment process, and then hit ‘Done’. It’s important to consult resources like YouTube’s Explaining Computers channel for additional guidance through this process.
In conclusion, by enrolling for the ESU, users gain an additional 12 months to assess their options for upgrading to Windows 11 in the future. If any new developments are announced next year, updates will be provided to ensure users can navigate their next steps effectively.
Maintaining security in a digital environment is pivotal, and even with the end of life for Windows 10, users now have choices to remain protected as they consider their future computing needs.
image source from：engadget
