Windows 10 users can now sign up for free security updates from Microsoft after it removes standard support in October. It's an option for people who can't or won't upgrade to Windows 11.

Officially Microsoft will no longer update Windows 10 as standard after October 25, the system's end of life date (it originally debuted back in July of 2015). This means no technical support, no new features and no security patches. (Source: windowscentral.com)

As we've covered, that went down particularly badly with people whose machines don't meet the hardware specifications for Windows 11. This includes the need to have a hardware security feature called a TPM, which can rule out computer that are otherwise perfectly powerful enough to run the system.

No Payment Necessary

As was widely predicted given the sheer proportion of people who have yet to switch to Windows 11, Microsoft has made multiple backtracks on the way the end of life deadline works. It previously announced a paid plan to get security fixes for a year for $30. This is the first time such an "extended security updates program" has been available to home users.

It later decided to waive the charge for people who agreed to do one of things: back up some files to Microsoft's OneDrive cloud service, or spend 1,000 points from its reward program. Given the deadline is next month, it's unlikely there will be any more concessions unless the number of people still on Windows 10 is so significant that it creates a serious security risk.

Users can now sign up for the Extended Security Updates by opening the Windows settings menu and selecting Update & Security. The offer to enroll should be there. If not, users will need to update Windows 10 to the latest branch and version. Clicking on "Enroll now" will bring up a new series of menus in which users can choose their option: back up files, redeem points or pay the fee.

Settings Backup Sufficient

Contrary to some reports, users don't need to back up all their files, or even any documents, to choose the first option. The requirement is only to back up Windows settings. This is information such as preferred screen resolution and a list of installed apps which may be useful if the user reinstalls Windows or switches to a new machine.

The redeeming points option is only available to users who have signed up to the rewards program and earned 1,000 points. Although points are available for buying software from the Microsoft Store or from playing certain Xbox One games, the easiest method is carrying your searches in Bing or through the Windows taskbar search box. Users will need to temporarily set Bing as their default app. In most cases, carrying out 10 searches a day for 20 days will be enough to qualify for the free updates. (Source: microsoft.com)

As things stand, Microsoft has only committed to offering the consumer version of Extended Security Updates for a year. That could always change based on Windows 10 and 11 use levels next October.

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What's Your Opinion?

Do you plan to take up this offer? Should Microsoft offer the updates without any qualification? Do you think a significant number of people will not know or both to sign up and leave their Windows 10 machine unprotected?