How to activate the Windows 10 ESU program for free
Activating the ESU program for Windows 10 for free is an essential step for users who wish to continue utilizing this operating system for at least another year. With this activation, you can ensure that you receive crucial security updates during a time when vulnerabilities and potential attacks on Microsoft systems remain prevalent.
As many users are aware, the lifecycle of Windows 10 is set to conclude on October 14, marking the end of technical support and security patches for the operating system. Relying on an unsupported version of Windows is risky, particularly given the increasing number of cyber threats. Thankfully, the ESU program offers a way to mitigate this risk by providing extended security updates.
With millions of users still operating Windows 10, it’s vital to explore this program in greater depth, including its advantages, limitations, requirements, options, and activation methods. If you are not ready or willing to transition to Windows 11, or if you prefer not to shift to Linux or invest in new hardware, this information will be invaluable.
Understanding the ESU Program for Windows
ESU stands for Extended Security Updates. This program is designed to provide critical and important security updates for Windows 10 for an additional year, extending support until October 13, 2026. However, it's essential to note that this program does not include any other forms of technical support from Microsoft, nor will it offer updates related to quality or new features.
Historically, the ESU program has been utilized for previous versions of Windows in enterprise settings at a monthly cost per device. It has been beneficial for organizations managing large fleets of PCs, giving them more time to migrate to newer systems. However, its previous cost and limitations made it less appealing for individual consumers.
Nevertheless, given that Windows 10 still holds about 40% of the market share, Microsoft has felt the pressure from numerous complaints regarding the abrupt cessation of support for millions of computers. This has prompted the company to offer a special free access to the ESU program for Windows 10.
Requirements for Joining the ESU Program
To enroll in the ESU program for Windows 10 as a consumer, your devices must meet specific criteria:
- The devices must run Windows 10 version 22H2 for Home, Professional, Pro Education, or Workstation editions.
- All devices should have the latest Windows updates installed.
- The account used to log into the device must be an administrator account.
- The ESU license will be associated with the Microsoft account used for registration. If you are currently using a local account, you will need to sign in with a Microsoft account.
It’s important to note that the consumer program is not applicable to commercial devices. The following devices are not eligible for consumer ESU enrollment:
- Kiosk mode devices.
- Devices joined to an Active Directory domain.
- Devices enrolled in a mobile device management (MDM) solution.
- Devices that already possess an ESU license.
- If a device is enrolled in the consumer ESU program and falls under a commercial scenario, its enrollment will be suspended until it is no longer used as a commercial device.
For businesses looking to enable ESU, you can refer to this Microsoft document, which details all scenarios.
Options Available Under the ESU Program
Microsoft provides various options for accessing this program, which can be categorized into paid and free options. The paid subscriptions are known and available for both businesses and consumers, while the free options are particularly relevant for individual users, allowing activation on up to ten devices with a single subscription.
One method involves using Microsoft Rewards points that you may have accumulated, requiring 1000 points for this option. Another method is through data synchronization with Microsoft’s cloud via the OneDrive application, which does not require a paid subscription and can use the free version for file synchronization.
Recently, Microsoft expanded the ESU program for Windows 10 by adding another free option that eliminates the need for points or data synchronization. However, this option is exclusively available for the European Economic Area. Technically, users can temporarily change their region settings to access this program for free, without needing points or data. The only requirement will be to use a Microsoft account, as outlined below.
Steps to Activate ESU for Windows 10 Free of Charge
You can enroll in the ESU program at any time until its conclusion on October 13, 2026. It is highly advisable to complete this process promptly to ensure you do not miss out on vital security patches.
One crucial requirement for accessing the free ESU program is the use of a mandatory Microsoft account. This account must be used to log into the ESU registration tool, and it enables extended security updates on your device until October 13, 2026, as long as you continue to sign in with this Microsoft account.
There is a little trick… You can activate the program using a Microsoft account and then switch to a local account afterward. You will have a grace period of sixty days before Microsoft disables the extended updates program. Even in this scenario, you can reactivate it and repeat the process. Thus, you can use a local account throughout the duration of the program.
Activating the ESU program for Windows 10 is very simple and can be completed in just a minute. Here’s a straightforward guide to the process. (If you are in a LATAM country, remember to change the region to Spain to avoid having to provide Reward points or sync data.)
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Ensure you have updated to Windows 10 version 22H2, installed the latest quality updates from September 2025, and then restart your PC.
- This process will give you the direct access link shown in the subsequent image:
- Click on the ‘Sign up now’ link:
- You will see two available options, free and one-time payment. Select the first option:
- If you are using a local account (as in this example), the assistant will prompt you to log in with a Microsoft account.
- Log in with your Microsoft account, and you’re done.
- Returning to the Windows Update section will allow you to check that your PC is now registered for extended security updates.
As you can see, activating the ESU program for Windows 10 for free is accessible for any user, regardless of their location within or outside Europe. If you plan on continuing with Windows 10, it is advisable to complete this process before the upcoming Tuesday when official technical support will end. If you need licenses for Windows 10 to activate the system, remember that they are available as part of our official Halloween sale for just 10 euros.
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