If you are utilizing Windows 10, it most likely hasn’t escaped your discover that the working system is reaching its finish of life at this time. In different phrases, the October replace that’s launched beginning at this time is the final installment of the official assist supplied by Microsoft for this next-generation working system. In the long run, no extra updates will probably be delivered for Windows 10.
Well, that is not totally true – if you happen to take no motion, you will not obtain any extra updates, however what you are able to do is join the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) scheme, which permits a Windows 10 PC to obtain updates for an additional 12 months (till October 2026).
It’s a lifeline for shoppers that Microsoft has by no means provided earlier than (solely companies have obtained prolonged assist when Windows working methods have been sidelined up to now) and you will get it without spending a dime, too, albeit with a small catch.
But how precisely do you enroll in ESU? And that caveat to get it without spending a dime, that means you must sync your PC settings with OneDrive: how does it work? Whatever your supply of perplexity, on this article I’ll present you the precise steps it’s essential observe to enroll in ESU.
Fortunately, there’s nothing significantly difficult, nevertheless it’s useful to know the place to go and what it’s essential do by way of that timing requirement. Let’s go over the method step-by-step.
1. Sign in with a Microsoft account
First, it’s essential be sure to’re signed in to a Microsoft account together with your copy of Windows 10. If you are working an area account on Windows 10, you will not give you the chance to enroll in prolonged updates.
If you do not have a Microsoft account, you may must create one after which change it in Windows 10 earlier than persevering with. You can swap to a Microsoft account at Settings > Accounts > Your info the place there’s the choice to log in with one, as an alternative of the native account you’re utilizing.
For those that suppose that they’ll use a “disposable” Microsoft account and return to their native account in Windows 10 as soon as they’re within the ESU program, that’s not the case. Please be aware that Microsoft will regularly test to see if you’re utilizing a Microsoft account in the course of the 12 months of free assist.
2. Open Windows Update and click on on the ESU provide.
In Windows 10, open the Windows Update panel; simply write Windows Update within the search field on the taskbar and click on ‘Check for updates’ (you may see the choice seem on the high of the search panel earlier than you even end typing).
In Windows Update, click on “Sign up now,” which you may discover just under the button marked “Check for updates” within the field titled “Windows 10 assist ends in October 2025.”
3. Choose to enroll in ESU
You’ll see a panel on the right way to enroll in Extended Security Updates to remain protected, click on “Next.”
4. Sync your PC settings if vital
If you’ve got already backed up your Windows settings, you may see the panel above informing you of this and that you just’re eligible to get prolonged updates “at no extra value.” All that is left to do is click on the ‘Sign Up’ button, however you could wish to evaluation Microsoft’s phrases of use (TOU) and privateness assertion by first clicking on the respective hyperlinks. That’s what you ordered for prolonged updates for an additional 12 months.
However, if you have not backed up your PC settings and synced them to OneDrive (Microsoft’s cloud storage), you may see an possibility to take action: merely choose it, click on “Next,” and once more select “Sign Up.” Remember, you are solely syncing your Windows 10 settings, not any of your private information, folders, or apps.
If you do not wish to sync something, you may select to pay $30 or spend 1,000 Microsoft Rewards factors by selecting a type of choices.
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