Windows 10 says it is no longer supported: what to do now

Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, but your computer still works and you do not need to buy anything today. Microsoft offers home users Extended Security Updates, called ESU, which keep sending security fixes through October 12, 2027. You can enroll for free, and if you are already enrolled you do not need to do anything. Work through these steps in order.

Steps

1. Check your Windows version. Press the Windows key, type winver and press Enter. The box should say Windows 10 Version 22H2. If it shows an older version, open Settings, then Update and Security, then Windows Update, and install the updates it offers first.
2. Sign in with a Microsoft account. ESU needs one. Open Settings, then Accounts, then Your info. If it says Local account, click Sign in with a Microsoft account instead and use your Outlook, Hotmail or other Microsoft email.
3. Open Windows Update. Go to Settings, then Update and Security, then Windows Update. Look for a message about Windows 10 end of support with a link that says Enroll now.
4. Click Enroll now and pick a free option. You can turn on Windows Backup to save your settings to your Microsoft account, or use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. A one time payment of $30 is also offered, but most people can use the free backup option.
5. Finish the steps on the screen, then click Check for updates and install what it finds. Restart if it asks.
6. Confirm you are covered. Back on the Windows Update page it should now say your PC is enrolled to get Extended Security Updates. Coverage runs through October 12, 2027.
7. Have more than one computer? One ESU enrollment covers up to 10 PCs on the same Microsoft account. On each one, sign in with that same account and enroll from Windows Update.
8. Check if this computer can run Windows 11 for free. On the Windows Update page, Microsoft will say if your PC can upgrade. If it can, Windows 11 is free and keeps getting updates after 2027. If it cannot, you have until October 2027 to plan a new computer.
9. Keep your files safe either way. Copy your photos and documents to OneDrive, a USB drive or an external hard drive before any big upgrade.
10. Never call a number from a popup, email or text that says your Windows expired or your computer is blocked. Microsoft does not call you, and ESU is set up only from the Windows Update page on your own computer.

Common questions

Will my Windows 10 computer stop working?

No. It keeps working. Without updates it is more open to viruses and scams, which is why enrolling in Extended Security Updates matters.

Do I have to pay for Extended Security Updates?

Usually not. Turning on Windows Backup to your Microsoft account, or using 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, enrolls you for free. The $30 option is only if you prefer to pay.

I read that updates end in October 2026. Is that right?

That was the original date. Microsoft extended home ESU coverage through October 12, 2027, and if you already enrolled your coverage continues automatically.

I do not see the Enroll now link. What should I do?

Make sure you are on Windows 10 Version 22H2, signed in with a Microsoft account as an administrator, and that all other updates are installed. Then restart and check Windows Update again.

Can Ellis help me with this?

Yes. Ellis can talk you through each step by phone while you sit at the computer, and will never ask for your passwords or bank details. Ellis is an AI assistant, and it will tell you so.

Ellis is an AI tech support assistant from 5 Star Consultants, a division of Adore LLC. Privacy Terms