How to Get FREE Windows 10 Security Updates Until 2026

Q: Will I get new features with the ESU program?

No. The Extended Security Update program is strictly for critical and important security patches . You will not receive new Windows features, visual updates, or performance enhancements. Your OS version will stay at 22H2.

Q: What happens if I don’t see the "Enroll Now" button?

This is usually due to one of three things: Pending Updates: Ensure you have clicked "Check for Updates" and installed every available patch first. Regional Rollout: Microsoft is releasing the enrollment toggle in waves. Managed Devices: If your PC is a work laptop managed by an organization, your IT department controls this setting.

Q: Can I still use Windows 10 after October 2026?

You can, but it is not recommended for a PC connected to the internet. After October 13, 2026, even the extended support ends. Without security patches, your computer becomes an easy target for malware and "zero-day" exploits.

FREE Windows 10 Security Updates. The October 2025 deadline has passed, and Microsoft’s “End of Life” warnings for Windows 10 are getting louder. If you’ve seen the pop-ups telling you that your PC is “at risk,” you might think your only options are to buy a new laptop or risk a virus.

But there is a third option.

Microsoft has officially opened up an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for home users. While they originally planned to charge $30 for this, there are now ways to get completely free Windows 10 security updates. Here is exactly how to keep your Windows 10 machine safe until at least October 13, 2026.

Watch the Walkthrough

If you want to see this process in real-time, I’ve put together a 90-second guide showing you exactly where the “hidden” enrollment button is located.

Watch on YouTube

The Requirements: What You Need First

Before you can enroll, your PC needs to meet a few basic criteria. If you don’t see the enrollment option, it’s usually because one of these is missing:

Windows 10 Version 22H2: This is the final version of Windows 10. (Go to Settings > System > About to check).
Latest Updates Installed: You must have the most recent cumulative updates installed (specifically including KB5066791 or later).
Administrator Account: You must be signed in as an Admin.
A Microsoft Account: Unlike standard updates, the ESU program is tied to your Microsoft ID.

Step-by-Step: How to Enroll for FREE Windows 10 Security Updates

Open Windows Update: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Find the ESU Banner: You should see a box titled “Windows 10 support ends in October 2025” with a link that says “Enroll in Extended Security Updates.”
Launch the Wizard: Click “Enroll Now.” This will open a Microsoft pop-up wizard.
Select Your “Free” Method: Microsoft offers three paths. To avoid the $30 fee, choose one of these:
- Option A (Recommended): Use Windows Backup to sync your settings to OneDrive. You don’t have to back up all your files—just syncing your system settings is enough to trigger the free eligibility.
- Option B: Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. If you use Edge or Bing, you likely already have these points sitting in your account.
Confirm Enrollment: Follow the remaining prompts. Once finished, you’ll see a confirmation that your device is now eligible for security patches through October 2026.

Why Is This “Free” All of a Sudden?

Originally, Microsoft intended the ESU program to be a paid subscription (similar to how they handled Windows 7). However, after pressure from consumer groups and the realization that millions of PCs cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to TPM 2.0 requirements, they introduced these “incentive-based” free tiers.

In the European Economic Area (EEA), the enrollment is often free by default due to local regulations, but for the UK, US, and the rest of the world, the “Sync Settings” method is the easiest workaround.

What Happens in October 2026?

The ESU program for home users is currently a one-year bridge. It covers critical security patches only—meaning you won’t get new features or “quality of life” updates.

By October 2026, you will need a long-term plan. For many Built By Pete viewers, that will likely mean:

Transitioning to Linux: Perfect for keeping old hardware snappy and secure.
The “Unsupoorted” Windows 11 Hack: Using tools like Rufus to bypass TPM requirements (though this comes with its own risks).
Hardware Upgrade: Finally moving to a modern CPU that natively supports Windows 11/12.

Need Help?

If the “Enroll” button isn’t appearing for you, drop a comment on the YouTube video or over on our community page. Microsoft is rolling this out in “phases,” so some regions might see it a few days later than others.

Free Windows 10 Security Updates Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Windows 10 Extended Security Update (ESU) really free?

Yes, but with a catch. While Microsoft officially charges a subscription fee for businesses, home users can currently enroll for free until October 2026 by syncing their system settings via Windows Backup or by using Microsoft Rewards points.

Will I get new features with the ESU program?

No. The Extended Security Update program is strictly for critical and important security patches. You will not receive new Windows features, visual updates, or performance enhancements. Your OS version will stay at 22H2.

What happens if I don’t see the “Enroll Now” button?

This is usually due to one of three things:
Pending Updates: Ensure you have clicked “Check for Updates” and installed every available patch first.
Regional Rollout: Microsoft is releasing the enrollment toggle in waves.
Managed Devices: If your PC is a work laptop managed by an organization, your IT department controls this setting.

Can I still use Windows 10 after October 2026?

You can, but it is not recommended for a PC connected to the internet. After October 13, 2026, even the extended support ends. Without security patches, your computer becomes an easy target for malware and “zero-day” exploits.

Does this ESU program bypass the TPM 2.0 requirement?

No. This program allows you to stay on Windows 10 securely. It does not change your PC’s eligibility for Windows 11. If your PC fails the “PC Health Check” for Windows 11, this ESU program is your best way to buy another year of time.

Will my antivirus still work after support ends?

Most third-party antivirus software (like Bitdefender or Norton) will continue to update their virus definitions for Windows 10 for a few years, but they cannot fix “holes” in the Windows operating system itself. Only Microsoft’s security updates can do that.