As Windows 10 reaches the end of support, Microsoft is trying to appease users who don't want to upgrade with various bonuses. This time, the company is introducing the ability to purchase security updates, also known as Extended Security Updates (ESU), for 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025, but this version of the operating system, according to StatCounter, is still the most popular of all Microsoft operating systems, currently accounting for 53.19%. At the same time, the latest version, Windows 11, occupies 43.22%. So, more than half of users can take advantage of this opportunity for free.
For 1,000 Microsoft Rewards, users can receive additional security updates, fixes for critical vulnerabilities, and other issues for another year, until October 13, 2026.
If you don't have 1,000 Microsoft Points, it's not too difficult to earn them. To do this, you need to use Bing search, including through the Microsoft Edge browser, make purchases in the Microsoft Store, launch games through the Xbox app, and generally actively interact with the company's services.
Alternatively, users can purchase a year of ESU updates for $30. After Windows 10 ends of support, users will be given the opportunity to choose one of the available options, after which the PC will be automatically enrolled for ESU.
Organizations can also get ESU for $61 per device to receive critical and important updates monthly for one year. The subscription can also be renewed annually for up to three years, but the cost will increase each time.