Microsoft no longer permits local Windows 10 accounts if you want Consumer Extended Security Updates — support beyond EOL requires a Microsoft Account link-up even if you pay $30

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$30 covers up to 10 machines for one year

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(Image credit: Microsoft)

Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life by October 14, 2025, meaning it will no longer receive new features, security updates, bug fixes, and technical support after this date. Users who do not want to abandon Windows 10 yet but want to keep their systems secure must pay $30 to enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program from the company, although you can also redeem it for 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, or use it for free if you’re backing up your PC settings.

However, the ESU program will not offer a lifetime of security updates to your old Windows 10 device. Instead, it just delays the inevitable and gives you a one-year extension until October 13, 2026. Furthermore, you do not get anything else with it, like technical support, so if something goes wrong with your system, you’re on your own. Should you choose to enrol in the ESU, you also need your device to be running Windows 10 22H2 with the latest update installed and a Microsoft account.

So, unless you’re willing to give Microsoft your information and create an account, you have no choice but to leave Windows 10 behind by October 14. This also applies to users who do not have eligible hardware, as Windows 11 refuses to support computers that do not have TPM 2.0 — but they at least have another year of security updates, if they choose to create a Microsoft account and pay the $30 fee (or redeem their Microsoft Rewards points).

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Jowi Morales
Jowi Morales
Contributing Writer

Jowi Morales is a tech enthusiast with years of experience working in the industry. He’s been writing with several tech publications since 2021, where he’s been interested in tech hardware and consumer electronics.

13 Comments Comment from the forums
  • SomeoneElse23
    I predicted this. This is the only way they know who you are to allow the extended support.

    It also allows them to track and target you more.
    Reply
  • That's a definite "No Go' for me as none of my motherboards even have a slot for a TPM module. And I have nothing newer than an I7 4790K in anything. When the end comes Windows will be replaced by Linux and MS gets the middle finger treatment.
    Reply
  • heffeque
    "or use it for free if you’re backing up your PC settings."
    Why isn't this in the title?
    There's tons of people that will be able to keep W10 safely thanks to this!
    Reply
  • ezst036
    Local accounts not permitted.

    This surprises a grand total of zero people.
    Reply
  • Alvar "Miles" Udell
    So, unless you’re willing to give Microsoft your information and create an account, you have no choice but to leave Windows 10 behind by October 14.

    Jesus the anti-Microsoft bias runs strong with Jowi Morales. Compare this article to Future PLC's sister publication's, Windows Central, article on this same topic, written by a senior editor. Completely different tone with none of the snarkiness.

    https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-10/microsoft-just-made-windows-10s-usd30-extended-support-program-an-even-better-deal-but-you-now-need-a-microsoft-account-to-pay-for-it
    Reply
  • jlake3
    This is certainly quite the dilemma, because I have a "M365 Copilot" account as the web sign-in has now re-branded it, but I very much do NOT want it tied to my desktop. I've lost access to several infrequently-accessed Microsoft accounts over the years (I think under a different branding each time), so I don't really want to sign in, tie my key to it, then delete the account off my computer and forget about it until I need that key again... assuming that once the online account grabs my key, the retail box I have on the shelf with a card inside it becomes useless. And I'm certainly not going to leave it logged in, because I want nothing of the "features" it offers.

    Also, one of my relatives created a Microsoft account when setting up their new computer because Microsoft told them to, and that computer has consistently been the WORST system to work on, to the point where I've very nearly thrown my hands up and said "I'm not doing this one, you're on your own".
    Reply
  • lemongrassgarlic
    There is absolutely no problem to keep using W10 for years and years after octo 2025 . You don't need those paid updates , you don't need a microsoft account. Just make regular backups and don't do online banking on a W10 computer.
    Reply
  • Free4Me
    If LInux had more to offer, windows could go the way of the DoDo bird.
    Reply
  • Dr3ams
    The companies and/or agencies I have given or have to give my data to (if I want to use their services):
    Deutsche Telekom (landline, internet and cell phone service)
    Amazon (prime...and all that includes)
    Paypal
    Couple of banks
    Health Insurance
    Car Insurance
    Agency responsible for retirement
    Agency responsible for disability
    Veteran services
    Landlord
    Old 90s and early 2000s social media and email accounts
    etc, etc...If you think that some or all of these do not slip your data to third parties, then I have an acre of dirt I can sell you right next to Chernobyl's number 4 reactor.

    Why should I care if Microsoft has some of my data...
    Reply
  • Amdlova
    My middle finger to Microsoft is build a old z68 board, install windows XP and dual boot with Linux.
    Reply