Microsoft says Windows 10 home users who want to delay switching to Windows 11 can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program at no additional cost using Microsoft Rewards points or enabling Windows Backup to sync their data to the cloud.

Windows 10 will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft will stop providing bug fixes and security updates to fix newly discovered vulnerabilities, with unpatched systems exposed to attacks and malware.

Windows Insiders will be able to enroll in ESU using an enrollment wizard available in Windows Settings and through desktop notifications starting today, with the wizard to roll out to all other Windows 10 customers in July.

Microsoft Executive Vice President Yusuf Mehdi confirmed today that the ESU program for consumers will be a one-year option for $30. However, he added that they can also enroll free of charge by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or using Windows Backup to sync their settings to the cloud.

“Once you select an option and follow the on-screen steps, your PC will automatically be enrolled. ESU coverage for personal devices runs from October 15, 2025, through October 13, 2026,” Mehdi said.

“Starting today, the enrollment wizard is available in the Windows Insider Program and will begin rolling out as an option to Windows 10 customers in July, with broad availability expected by mid-August.”

Organizations can also subscribe to the ESU program for $61 per device for one year, with annual renewals available for up to three years at increasing costs. Enrollment is currently open through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Program, and Cloud Service Providers will offer it starting September 1.

Windows 10 devices accessing Windows 11 Cloud PCs via Windows 365 and Virtual Machines can use ESU at no extra charge, receiving automatic security updates without additional steps.

As Microsoft announced in May, it has backtracked on plans to end support for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 later this year and will continue providing feature updates through August 2026 and security updates for three more years, until October 10, 2028.

Redmond will also continue providing Security Intelligence Updates for Microsoft Defender Antivirus on Windows 10 through October 2028.

Even though Windows 10 will reach the end of support in four months, Statcounter Global Stats data shows over 53% of all Windows systems still run Windows 10, while only 43% run Windows 11, three years after its October 2021 launch.

However, Steam’s Hardware & Software Survey paints a better picture for Windows 11 gamers, seeing that 58.30% were using Windows 11 and only 37%% were running Windows 10 at the end of May 2025.