As Microsoft officially ends support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, millions of users face an important question — what next? If you’re not ready to upgrade to Windows 11 or switch to Linux, Microsoft now offers a solution: Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESUs). This service extends security updates until October 13, 2026, providing users an extra year of protection.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to enroll in ESUs for free using a Microsoft account and a simple setup process — while sharing the least amount of personal data possible. This guide works for both Windows 10 Home and Pro, as long as your system is updated to version 22H2.
⚠️ Disclaimer:
To enroll in ESUs, you must log in with a Microsoft account. However, once you’re enrolled, you can switch back to a local account and unlink OneDrive. We’ll show you how to do that too.
🧾 Table of Contents
- What are Windows 10 Consumer ESUs?
- Requirements Before Enrollment
- How to Enroll in ESUs for Free
- Post-Enrollment Cleanup (Disable Sync and Use Local Account)
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
✅ What Are Windows 10 Consumer ESUs?
The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program provides critical security patches beyond the end-of-support date for Windows 10. Normally, this would require a $30 one-time fee. But Microsoft now offers free enrollment if you:
- Sync your PC settings to your Microsoft account OR
- Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points
🧰 Step 1: Requirements Before You Begin
Before diving into the enrollment process, ensure your system is ready:
- Your PC must run Windows 10 version 22H2
- You must sign in with a Microsoft account (temporarily or permanently)
- Your Microsoft account must have administrator privileges
- OneDrive login is required, but data backup is not mandatory
- Internet connection is required during enrollment
🪟 Step 2: Log in with a Microsoft Account
Let’s get started!
If you’re using a local account, switch to a Microsoft account:
- Go to Settings > Accounts
- Click on “Sign in with a Microsoft account instead”
- Enter your Microsoft credentials (or create a new account if needed)
- Set up Windows Hello or PIN as required
Ensure your Microsoft account is also admin-level, especially if multiple users are on the PC.
☁️ Step 3: Set Up OneDrive (Without Backing Up Files)
Microsoft requires you to be logged into OneDrive, but you don’t need to back up files. Here’s how to proceed:
- After logging in, OneDrive may auto-sign in.
- If it prompts to back up Documents, Pictures, or Desktop — turn them off:
- Click on OneDrive icon in the taskbar
- Go to Settings > Backup > Manage backup
- Turn off all folder backups
- Save changes and close
💡 Even if Microsoft keeps trying to re-enable backup, you can safely ignore or disable it again.
🔁 Step 4: Go to Update & Security and Start Enrollment
Now for the exciting part.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security
- Look for the blue banner: “Windows 10 support ends in October 2025. Enroll in extended security updates…”
- Click Enroll Now
This will launch the ESU Enrollment Wizard.
🧙 Step 5: Use the Free Option via Syncing PC Settings
The wizard will present 3 options:
- Backup your PC settings (Free)
- Use Microsoft Reward Points
- One-time $30 payment
Select the free option:
✅ “Back up your PC settings (No cost)”
Then click Next → Enroll
That’s it! You’ll receive a confirmation:
“Your PC is enrolled to get extended security updates.”
🔒 Step 6: Turn Off Sync Settings (Optional But Recommended)
If you’re privacy-conscious, let’s turn off sync after enrollment:
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Windows Backup
- Turn off all options under:
- Remember my apps
- Remember my preferences
- Open OneDrive > Settings > Backup
- Disable all folder backups again (if re-enabled)
👤 Step 7: Switch Back to Local Account (Optional)
Yes, you can return to using a local account after enrollment:
- Go to Settings > Accounts
- Click “Sign in with a local account instead”
- Follow the prompts to switch back (you’ll need your Microsoft account PIN/password)
🔗 Step 8: Unlink OneDrive (Optional)
To fully remove Microsoft’s sync, you can also disconnect OneDrive:
- Click on the OneDrive icon in taskbar
- Go to Settings > Account
- Click Unlink this PC
Confirm twice, and you’re done!
🔁 Step 9: Reboot and Confirm Enrollment
Now, let’s make sure everything stuck:
- Restart your PC
- Go to Settings > Update & Security
- You should see:
✅ “Your PC is enrolled to get extended security updates.”
Even after switching to a local account and turning off sync, your PC will remain enrolled.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I need to share personal files with Microsoft?
No. Enrollment only requires syncing PC settings. File backup is optional and can be turned off.
Q2: What if I accidentally sign out or switch accounts?
You can re-run the ESU wizard by signing in again with your Microsoft account and repeating the process.
Q3: Can I enroll multiple PCs?
Yes, but each PC must be logged into the Microsoft account during the enrollment process.
Q4: Is this the same as Enterprise ESUs?
No. This is the consumer ESU program, made for personal Windows 10 Home and Pro devices.
Q5: Can I later install Windows 11 or Linux?
Absolutely. This ESU plan is just a temporary extension. You can still upgrade or switch OS later.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Enrolling in Windows 10 ESUs is a smart move if you’re not ready to move on from your trusted setup just yet. Microsoft’s free option gives you peace of mind until October 2026, and with this guide, you can do it without oversharing your data.
Just remember to:
- Stay on Windows 10 version 22H2
- Log in temporarily with a Microsoft account
- Disable sync and revert to local account after enrollment
And you’re good to go!
🔗 Official Link
👉 Microsoft Support – Windows 10 ESU Consumer Program
🏷️ Tags:
windows 10, esu, extended security updates, microsoft account, onedrive, sync settings, local account, windows 10 home, windows 10 pro, windows update, security updates
🔖 Hashtags:
#Windows10 #MicrosoftESU #ESU2025 #Windows10Support #CyberSecurity #MicrosoftAccount #WindowsUpdate #Onedrive #TechTips #PCSecurity #WindowsSupport #LocalAccount
Let us know in the comments if you faced any issues during the process. Happy computing!
