How to Get Free Windows 10 Security Updates Until October 2027 (Step by Step)

Keep your Windows 10 computer protected until October 12, 2027. Step by step: how to sign up for Microsoft's free Extended Security Updates in Settings.

By Steady Neighbor Editorial Team · Updated · 2-minute read

The short answer

Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, install all updates, then click 'Enroll now' and follow the steps. Choose the free option, which backs up (syncs) your PC settings to your Microsoft account. You'll then get security updates until October 12, 2027.

Before you start

You’ll need:

  • A computer with Windows 10, version 22H2 and all the latest updates. (Not sure? Hold the Windows key, press R, type winver and press Enter.)
  • A Microsoft account: the email address and password you use for Outlook.com, Hotmail, Xbox or other Microsoft services. You can create one for free during these steps.
  • To be signed in to Windows as the computer’s administrator, which is usually the main account on a home computer.

Computers managed by an employer or school can’t use this home program.

The steps

  1. Click the Start button, then click Settings (the gear icon).
  2. Click Update & Security, then Windows Update.
  3. Click Check for updates and install everything it finds. Restart if it asks you to, then come back to this page.
  4. Look for the message about Windows 10 support ending, and click Enroll now.
  5. If Windows asks you to sign in with a Microsoft account, sign in (or create a free account).
  6. Choose how to enroll. For the free option, choose to back up (sync) your PC settings.
  7. Follow the last few screens until Windows confirms you’re enrolled.
Illustration of the Windows Update page in Windows 10 Settings with the Extended Security Updates message and an Enroll now link, which is marked as the thing to click. Settings Windows Update Delivery Optimization Windows Security Backup Troubleshoot Recovery Activation Update & Security › Windows Update Windows Update Check for updates Windows 10 support has ended Enroll in Extended Security Updates to keep getting security updates until October 12, 2027. Enroll now 1
Illustration, not a screenshot. The Enroll now link appears on your own Windows Update page. You never call anyone, and nobody calls you.
Illustration of the enrollment box for Extended Security Updates, offering three ways to enroll: back up your PC settings at no cost, redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or make a one-time 30 dollar purchase. The free option is marked. Enroll in Extended Security Updates Choose how to enroll Back up (sync) your PC settings Free 1 Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points Free, if you already collect Rewards points One-time purchase $30 plus tax Next
Illustration, not a screenshot. All three give you the same security updates. The first is free and the simplest for most people. Any payment happens here, inside Settings.
A checklist of four signs that enrollment in Extended Security Updates worked: the Enroll now link is gone, Windows Update says you are up to date, updates keep arriving until October 12, 2027, and you never had to call anyone. How to tell it worked The Enroll now link is gone from your Windows Update page. Windows Update says you are up to date, the same as it always did. Security updates keep arriving on their own until October 12, 2027. You never called anyone, and nobody connected to your computer.
Illustration, not a screenshot. There is no certificate to keep and nothing else to do. If you are unsure whether it worked, these are the things to look for.

That’s it. Updates now arrive the normal way through Windows Update until October 12, 2027. You don’t need to do anything else.

The three ways to enroll

OptionCostGood to know
Sync your PC settings with your Microsoft accountFreeThe simplest choice for most people
Redeem Microsoft Rewards points1,000 pointsOnly if you already collect Rewards points
One-time purchase$30 plus taxPaid inside Windows Settings, never over the phone

According to Microsoft, one enrollment covers up to 10 computers that use the same Microsoft account.

“I don’t see Enroll now”

  • Install all updates, restart, and check again. The link can take a little while to appear.
  • Make sure you have Windows 10, version 22H2 (use winver, as above).
  • Make sure you’re signed in to Windows as the administrator.
  • The Microsoft account can’t be a child account (one set up for a child in Microsoft Family).
  • A work or school computer won’t show the option.

Stay safe while you do this

  • ESU is set up inside your own Settings. You never need to call anyone.
  • Microsoft won’t phone you about ESU. If someone calls offering to “renew Windows” or asks you to pay with gift cards, hang up. It’s a scam.

Not sure whether to keep Windows 10 or move on? Read Is Windows 10 still safe to use?

From Steady Neighbor · https://steadyneighbor.com/computers/windows-10-free-security-updates/

Sources we used

About the author

Steady Neighbor Editorial Team: We write plain-English guides for older adults and the families who help them. Every step is checked against the official instructions from Microsoft, Apple and U.S. government agencies before a guide is published, and we link to the sources we used. How we write and check our guides.