Microsoft has officially clarified a new requirement for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10. Every way of enrolling in the program, whether paid or free, requires users to sign in with a Microsoft account.
The clarification addresses an earlier misunderstanding, when many people assumed that paying 30 USD was enough to keep receiving security updates without registering an account. Microsoft has now confirmed that users must have a Microsoft account to link their ESU license and receive security patches after Windows 10 reaches the end of official support on October 14, 2025. The ESU package will continue to deliver critical updates through October 13, 2026.
How can you enroll in ESU for Windows 10?
Microsoft offers three ways to enroll in the ESU program:
- Paid: Pay 30 USD to buy the update license.
- Rewards points: Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points to get ESU for free.
- Settings sync: Use the OneDrive settings backup feature to enroll for free.
Whichever option you choose, you must sign in to a Microsoft account to activate and manage the license. Notably, instead of buying a separate license for each machine as before, a single account can now use an ESU license on up to 10 Windows 10 devices, as long as they are all linked to the same account. However, each machine still has to be enrolled separately through the Settings interface.
Microsoft account: a hassle or a convenience?
Requiring a Microsoft account may annoy some users who value their privacy. For most people who already use this account to sign in to Windows, Office, or OneDrive, though, especially those with multiple devices, the change brings real cost savings and easier management.
Microsoft explains that the account requirement is necessary to sync license status across devices and to make sure users can keep receiving updates smoothly on their systems.
Requirements and how to join the program
To be eligible for ESU, your computer must be running Windows 10 version 22H2 and have the latest patches installed. Enrollment is rolling out in waves through Windows Update, so depending on the device, the enrollment option may appear sooner or later.
Once you qualify, you will see an "Enroll now" option under Windows Update in the Settings app. There, you need to sign in with your Microsoft account to link and activate the ESU license. When that is done, the device will keep receiving important security patches for one more year after Windows 10 support ends.
A stopgap for people not ready to upgrade to Windows 11
The ESU program is a good fit for individuals and businesses that are not yet ready to upgrade to Windows 11. The Microsoft account requirement adds one more registration step, but because one license covers multiple devices, users save time and money while keeping their systems secure.
In short, if you are using Windows 10 and do not want to move to Windows 11 right away, joining ESU is the best way to keep your system protected, as long as you are willing to use a Microsoft account to enroll.
