Microsoft Amps Up Pricing Incentive for Windows 10's Extended Support, Loyal Customers with Microsoft Accounts Reap Rewards When Paying
Microsoft Extends Security Updates for Windows 10, Requires Microsoft Account
Microsoft has announced an extension of security updates for Windows 10 through its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. This program is now open for enrollment, and it requires users to have a Microsoft Account.
To enroll a device in the ESU program, users must first go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select the enrollment link if their device meets the prerequisites. If a user is signed into Windows with a local account, they will be prompted to sign into their Microsoft account during the enrollment process.
The ESU program is available for a fee of $30 USD per device, or users can opt for other enrollment methods such as redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Reward points or syncing their PC settings to OneDrive for free enrollment.
One ESU license can cover up to 10 devices signed into the same Microsoft Account, making it a cost-effective solution for multi-device households or small organizations. It's important to note that the Microsoft Account requirement was not made clear in the original announcement of the ESU program.
The enrollment process is being rolled out in waves, so if the "Enroll now" button is not immediately visible, users may need to check back later. The window for enrolling Windows 10 PCs into the ESU program opened in July and is now being rolled out to all users running the latest updates.
It's worth mentioning that devices must be running Windows 10 version 22H2 to be eligible for ESU updates. The updates provided by the ESU program will only include critical and important security updates—no new features or non-security updates. Updates are delivered privately to enrolled customers, not via standard Windows Update channels.
This change in policy may upset some Windows 10 users who have avoided registering a Microsoft Account. However, it may also appease users who are already using a Microsoft Account and have multiple devices to protect.
The ESU program provides extended security updates until October 13, 2026, providing peace of mind for users who wish to continue using Windows 10 beyond its official end of support date.
[1] Microsoft Docs: Enroll in the Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10
[2] Microsoft Support: Extended Security Updates for Windows 10
[3] Microsoft Tech Community: What's new in Windows 10 version 22H2
[4] Microsoft Support: Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 - Frequently Asked Questions
[5] Microsoft Support: Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10
- Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program now offers security updates for the Surface Laptop running Windows 10, but it necessitates a Microsoft Account.
- Users interested in enrolling their Surface Pro in the ESU program must first ensure their device is compatible and then go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update to initiate the enrollment process.
- The ESU program caters to Surface and other PC users, offering updates until October 13, 2026, including critical and important security updates, but excluding new features or non-security updates.
- Microsoft 365 integration can help users enroll their Surface devices for free, but if they enroll through other methods, they may need to pay a fee or redeem Microsoft Reward points.
- All devices enrolled under one Microsoft Account can benefit from the ESU program, with each account covering up to 10 devices.
- To be eligible for ESU updates, Surface devices must be running Windows 10 version 22H2, and updates are delivered privately, not via standard Windows Update channels.
- Microsoft provides resources for understanding the ESU program and its implications for Surface and PC users, such as Microsoft Docs, Microsoft Support, or the Microsoft Tech Community.
