Windows 10 Security Updates Extended for Diehards—But There’s a Catch
Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 10 will officially reach its end of life on October 14. Previously, users were required to pay about $30 per year to secure an additional year of security updates. Now, however, there is a free workaround available for those who insist on staying with Windows 10—even if it comes with a few strings attached.
Free Extended Security Updates with a Twist
Under the new arrangement, you can receive an extra 12 months of “critical” and “important” security patches from the Extended Security Updates program at no additional cost. To take advantage of this offer, you must use Windows Backup to sync your settings with OneDrive. This is where the catch lies: the free OneDrive account only provides 5GB of storage, which limits your backup capabilities.
Alternatively, if you prefer not to rely on cloud storage, you can earn the necessary extended support by using 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. These points can be accumulated through everyday activities such as conducting searches with Bing, browsing with Microsoft Edge, gaming on Xbox, and shopping through the Microsoft Store.
Limited Future Support for Windows 10
Even with this free extension, overall security support for Windows 10 will end in October 2026, and no further feature updates will be delivered. On the bright side, Microsoft will continue to update Defender Antivirus on Windows 10 until October 2028, ensuring that you retain basic defenses against viruses and malware for some time.
Considering Upgrading to Windows 11
For most users, upgrading to Windows 11 is an attractive and cost-free alternative. The upgrade is available at no extra charge, and unless your hardware is particularly outdated or incompatible, now might be a good time to make the transition. If you’re apprehensive about installing a new operating system, there are plenty of straightforward guides and video tutorials that walk you through a clean installation process.
Exploring Third-Party Security Options
Another option is to turn to third-party services such as 0patch. This provider offers “micropatches” that can effectively extend the lifespan of your Windows 10 installation by up to five years. Unlike Microsoft’s update process, which can be intrusive, require reboots, and consume significant time, 0patch delivers small, reversible updates designed to minimize disruptions. Despite this option, the general recommendation remains to upgrade to Windows 11 for a more future-proof experience.
While these additional security updates provide a temporary reprieve, they are not a long-term solution. For users who want a more seamless and modern computing experience, transitioning to Windows 11 is the most straightforward way forward.
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