Is Your Windows 10 PC at Risk? Here’s How to Stay Protected

What ESU Is and Why It Matters

Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, but you can keep getting security updates by enrolling in Microsoft’s **Extended Security Updates (ESU)** program for Windows 10. These updates help protect your computer from new viruses and hackers even after normal support ends.

– ESU is a paid program from Microsoft that continues to send you important security updates for Windows 10 after support ends.
– It does not add new features or big changes; it only fixes security holes and serious problems.
– Without ESU, Windows 10 keeps working, but it becomes easier for hackers to attack over time.

For Microsoft’s official overview, you can read it here

Who Can Get Windows 10 ESU

• Your PC must be running Windows 10 version 22H2 (the last major version) to qualify.
• ESU is available for Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Workstation editions, and can cover up to 10 personal devices for a consumer account.
• Businesses can also buy ESU through volume licensing, with pricing that starts per device and increases each year, for up to three years of extra updates.

To check your version, go to:
Settings → System → About → look for “Version 22H2”.

How Much ESU Costs for Home Users

For home and small-office users, there are several ways to get a year of ESU for Windows 10.

Common options include:
– Using Windows Backup (syncing your PC settings to the cloud) which can qualify some users for ESU at no extra cost.
– Redeeming 1000 Microsoft Rewards points instead of paying cash.
– Paying about $30 as a one‑time purchase for the first year of ESU.

Microsoft explains general ESU rules here

How to Turn On ESU in Windows 10

Once your PC is fully updated and running version 22H2, ESU enrollment is built into Windows 10and is mostly a point‑and‑click process.

Follow these steps on your Windows 10 PC (in the US):

1. Open **Settings** from the Start menu.
2. Click **Update & Security**, then **Windows Update**.
3. Look for a message or link offering **Extended Security Updates** or “Get updates after support ends” and click it.
4. Click **Enroll now**, then **Next**, and follow the on‑screen steps.
5. Choose how you want to pay (Windows Backup, Rewards points, or card/payment method) if prompted.
6. When finished, click **Done**. Your PC will then continue getting Windows 10 security updates until at least October 2026 for the first year of ESU coverage.

If you do not see the ESU option, you may need to:
– Install all pending Windows Updates first.
– Make sure you are signed in with a Microsoft account that is an administrator on that PC.

When to Ask Goinsta Repairs for Help

If any of this feels confusing or you just don’t want to risk clicking the wrong thing, a local technician such as Goinsta Repairs can handle the entire ESU setup for you. Our pros can:

– Check whether your computer is ready for ESU or if it is safer to move you to a new Windows 11 PC.
– Enroll your PC in ESU correctly so you keep getting security patches and stay protected from new threats.
– Make sure your important files are backed up before any changes and confirm that antivirus, backups, and updates are all working together for better security.

For non‑savvy users in the US, having a trusted service like Goinsta Repairs do this for you can be the easiest and safest way to extend Windows 10 support while avoiding unnecessary upgrades.