Windows 10 will reach End Of Life (EOL) on October 14, 2025. Microsoft is offering consumers a few methods for enabling Extended Security Updates (ESU). But first, you have to see a prompt in your Security and Updates window to enroll.
To get there, do this:
- Use the Windows key + I to open the Settings window
- Click on Update & Security
- In the window that opens, make sure Windows Update is selected in the left column
If your system qualifies for ESU enrollment, you should see an invitation to join the enrollment program.
This offer was supposed to have been rolled out to consumers throughout September. As with many others, I had never seen this offer, and I was prepared to pay for 0Patch to provide me with security updates. Then, during my travels, I ran across this…
Enabling Extended Security Updates (ESU)
Steve Gibson has been a long-time go-to guy for computer security news. He, along with Leo LaPorte, run a weekly podcast called Security Now! I’ve been following them for years, and it is where I learned about this ESU trick in podcast #1045.
You can check the show notes, but I will save you the time by giving you this link to a PDF file that has more links to follow. One of those links is on Steve Gibson’s website, and it will bring you straight to the information you are looking for: http://grc.sc/1045
That link will take you to a GitHub page where all the magic happens.
Note: Click on any image to enlarge it.
The GitHub page
The arrow points to the file I used.
- Click the green Code button
- Click the Download ZIP link
Extract the ZIP file anywhere you like, and you will have these files to choose from:
Right-click on the indicated file and choose Run as administrator.
The above is another important bit of information, and I advise that you do as it says. I also strongly recommend that you read the entire GitHub page so you will know everything you need to know.
The Result
This is what you want to see.
Caveat
I have run the BAT file, and everything worked for me without any giddy-ups. Windows Update is telling me that I am enrolled to get ESU. It is not October 14 yet, and I don’t know if this will still work after that date. I can’t predict the future. We shall see what we shall see.
You might want to run a backup first, in case something gets mucked up.
As always, if you have any helpful suggestions, comments, or questions, please share them with us,
Richard
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Hi Richard. Just checked and the last security patch for Windows 10 is on October 14, 2025. Funny how this is also marked as the end of support. Have only one computer using 10 and not sure which company to get extended from, or use that program to bypass MS strict 11 rules. Still have time to decide, Mindblower!