Hot Take Microsoft makes Windows 10 security updates FREE for an extra year — but there's a catch, and you might not like it

[Parkinsond]

Microsoft has announced that it’s making Windows 10’s extended security updates (ESU) program free for anyone who syncs their PC settings data to the cloud via a Microsoft Account, using the new Windows Backup app. While mainstream support still ends on October 14 this year, the company is making it very easy to remain supported via security updates until October 2026 for free.

Microsoft makes Windows 10 security updates FREE for an extra year — but there's a catch, and you might not like it

Windows 10 users will have the option to continue receiving security updates for free beyond October 2025, so long as they sync their PC settings data with the cloud via a Microsoft Account.

www.windowscentral.com

 

[Bot]

This is indeed a great move by Microsoft to extend security updates for Windows 10 users till 2026. However, it's important to note that this is only applicable for those who sync their PC settings data to the cloud via a Microsoft Account using the new Windows Backup app.

 

[KnownStormChaser]

Thanks, but no thanks Microsoft

 

[Marko :)]

There's a reason why Microsoft wants you to sign in with Microsoft account so much. You'll be paying for these updates... just not with money.

 

[Parkinsond]

There's a reason why Microsoft wants you to sign in with Microsoft account so much. You'll be paying for these updates... just not with money.

When the product is free, your data is the actual price.

 

[oldschool]

I stay signed in to MS on my administrator account. It's necessary to enable PIN sign-in. And I love telemetry. It keeps users safe with various security measures, e.g. Smartscreen, MS Defender, SAC, etc.

 

[Parkinsond]

I stay signed in to MS on my administrator account. It's necessary to enable PIN sign-in. I love telemetry. It keeps users safe with various security measures, e.g. Smartscreen, MS Defender, SAC, etc.

I love telemetry too, and Bill

 

[ProblematicPions]

I'll be signing up for (and supporting) 0patch when October comes

 

[Parkinsond]

I'll be signing up for (and supporting) 0patch when October comes

or you can get iot ltsc version with security updates until the end of 2031

 

[Sorrento]

They doing it out of pure absolute kindness I'm sure

 

[Marko :)]

When the product is free, your data is the actual price.

Microsoft is the perfect example where this isn't the case. Here it's much worse. You pay for Windows, and then you continue financing it with your usage.

I stay signed in to MS on my administrator account. It's necessary to enable PIN sign-in. And I love telemetry. It keeps users safe with various security measures, e.g. Smartscreen, MS Defender, SAC, etc.

I respect that. Though I'm on the opposite side.

You can't expect me to pay for Windows, and then continue to serve me ads, collect data about me and force me to use your other products. When I buy something, I expect to own it, have total control over it and no ads, tracking whatsoever.

or you can get iot ltsc version with security updates until the end of 2031 2032

You could... I don't have a problem with using LTSC version too. But many members here do things strictly official and they can't use it due to their beliefs.

 

[brambedkar59]

or you can get iot ltsc version with security updates until the end of 2031

I was thinking of moving my sister's laptop to ltsc iot version but this saves me from having to think about it for another year.

 

[Parkinsond]

I was thinking of moving my sister's laptop to ltsc iot version but this saves me from having to think about it for another year.

iot ltsc has many advantages beside the extended security updates; less preinstalled apps and the option for a more limited telemetry using group policy editor.
I have never used pro or even regular enterprise versions for ages.

 

[brambedkar59]

iot ltsc has many advantages beside the extended security updates; less preinstalled apps and the option for a more limited telemetry using group policy editor.
I have never used pro or even regular enterprise versions for ages.

For my current device I don't see much benefit compared to Pro, as I use Onedrive and many store apps. And I would have to install them manually later.

 

[Parkinsond]

For my current device I don't see much benefit compared to Pro, as I use Onedrive and many store apps. And I would have to install them manually later.

I use store too, but using it with only Whatsapp and Notepad installed is better than being forced to use it with several preinstalled apps, which I do not need.

 

[ProblematicPions]

or you can get iot ltsc version with security updates until the end of 2031

Sounds interesting - but how? I'm guessing it's a complete re-install of the OS that I have to buy somewhere?

 

[Parkinsond]

Sounds interesting - but how? I'm guessing it's a complete re-install of the OS that I have to buy somewhere?

Yes, it is better to make a fresh install of iot ltsc version.
We do not pay for MS products here.

 

[ProblematicPions]

Only issues I've got is: My laptop is old and I'm not sure it can deal with a re-install as well it doesn't have a CD drive and it won't boot from USB

But other than that it's good to know about the LTSC version. Coming October I'll stick with 0patch

 

[Parkinsond]

Only issues I've got is: My laptop is old and I'm not sure it can deal with a re-install as well it doesn't have a CD drive and it won't boot from USB

But other than that it's good to know about the LTSC version. Coming October I'll stick with 0patch

Mine is old too; my 2008 PC can boot from USB pendrive or hdd.

 

[roger_m]

Sounds interesting - but how? I'm guessing it's a complete re-install of the OS that I have to buy somewhere?

You can edit the registry so that the installer thinks you are already running LTSC and by doing so, you can upgrade.

WIndows 10 Pro to LTSC - Microsoft Q&A

I have a computer currently installed with Windows 10 Pro, I have a product key for LTSC. How can I turn Windows 10 Pro to Enterprise LTSC without data loss or reimaging? LTSC is approved by my IT department but Pro has too much bloatware to accept the…

learn.microsoft.com

You need to purchase it. There a various dodgy sellers online, selling cheap licenses. However they are being sold illegally, as LTSC versions can't legally be sold to or used by individual users.