Windows 10’s end of support security patching (October 14, 2025) doesn’t mean your PC has to be tossed aside. Microsoft has quietly provided five official methods to extend patching support, including critical security updates. There’s no sketchy downloading or registry hacking involved—these are legitimate options.
Overview
The first three methods are relatively simple. The last two need more effort, but the fifth one is the most effective, even though it takes a bit more work to access. Each method comes with some caveats, which isn’t surprising when dealing with Microsoft.
It’s still incredibly important to keep your system patched. Antivirus alone isn’t enough—modern threats, especially from botnets, can slip right past if the system is unpatched. Recently, a wave of ASUS router hacks showed how easily systems can be compromised if not properly secured.
That’s why it’s worth exploring these options before giving up on your current hardware. Many machines can even run Windows 11 unofficially, and Linux distributions like Linux Mint are now easier to use than ever—Linux Mint is even more user-friendly than Windows 11.
If you plan to stick with Windows 10 for a while longer, the guide below will walk you through the available options to keep your system protected. Microsoft isn’t advertising them heavily, so most people don’t even know they exist.
The first three methods to extend Windows 10 security updates are relatively simple but only extend coverage for one year (to October 2026). During that time, you won’t get new features or interface changes—though let’s be honest, most of those “enhancements” only add bloat and slow your system down.
These short-term methods might sound free and easy, but each comes with a major catch. In fact, finding this information (found here) was a bit difficult as Microsoft doesn’t want people using these methods, and prefer people adopt Windows 11 (even if it means buying a new computer).
Note: After “Method 3” I’ll explain how to enroll into options 1 to 3, first is an explanation of each method.
Method 1: Sync Settings
The first catch involves syncing your PC settings with a Microsoft account. On the surface, that seems harmless—convenient, even. Syncing pulls in your language preferences, app settings, notification preferences, and so on. But it’s also Microsoft’s way of nudging users into using an online account so they can gather more telemetry data. Even with limited options to opt out, you’re still handing over behavioral and usage data in exchange for that one extra year of support.
Method 2: Redeem Microsoft Rewards
The next method involves redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. These are points you accumulate by using Bing while logged into your Microsoft account, or by making purchases through the Microsoft Store. Again, this is Microsoft leveraging your data. Much like Google tracks your search behavior, Microsoft does the same analyzing how you browse, what you click, and what apps you use.
So, while the first 2 methods technically offer a cost-free patch extension, the real cost is your data. You’re trading privacy for an extra year of updates.
Method 3: Paying
There is one method that does cost money: a flat fee of $30 USD (or local currency equivalent). In exchange, you get an additional year of security updates, and as far as publicly known, there’s no extra data collection involved. It’s a straightforward transaction. Microsoft outlines how to activate this method directly through Windows settings—details are below.
Enrolling Into Method 1 to 3
While in Windows 10, do the following: Go to Settings > Update & Security >Windows Update. If your device meets the prerequisites, you’ll see a link to enroll in ESU.
Once you select Enroll now you’ll start the extension enrollment process. If you are signed into Windows with a local account, you will be prompted to sign into your Microsoft account. If you are already backing up your PC Settings, you will see a prompt to enroll your device.
Method 4: Business Extended Support
Now, for those looking beyond the consumer-level options, there are two more methods designed primarily for businesses. These are more robust but also harder to achieve.
The fourth method is Windows Extended Support. Microsoft has offered paid extension programs for years—dating back to Windows XP and Windows 7. For organizations extending Windows 10 patching, the first year of extra support costs $61 USD per device. Each year doubles the price—$122 for the second year, and even more after that. This adds up quickly, and by year two or three, that money could be better spent on a new machine or saving money and transitioning to Linux instead.
This route is usually only accessible through volume licensing agreements, enterprise-level resellers, or partners within Microsoft’s ecosystem. It’s technically possible for individuals to gain access through less traditional means, but it’s not easy or guaranteed.
Method 5: Windows 10 IoT
Then there’s the fifth and best option: Windows 10 LTSC IoT. This long-term servicing channel is designed for devices that need stability and minimal change—like medical equipment or industrial PCs. There are two versions: LTSC and IoT LTSC (Internet of Things). These receive security updates for 5–10 years without feature updates or interface bloat.
IoT LTSC is popular with tech-savvy users trying to keep their older systems running lean and secure. It’s not easy to obtain, but for those who can manage it, it’s a nearly ideal solution for extending Windows 10 life well past official deadlines.
The IoT version of Windows—whether Windows 10 or 11—is hands-down the best Microsoft has ever released. It’s lean, fast, and free of clutter. No pre-installed games. No annoying pop-ups. No upselling of Microsoft services (like OneDrive). Even the Windows Store isn’t preloaded. You can install it if needed, but if you prefer a Microsoft-free experience, you’re in control.
Best of all, you don’t need a Microsoft account to use it. This version feels like a stripped-down, performance-first build of Windows—the kind users have been asking for.
But there’s a catch: it’s meant for businesses. It was built with industrial use cases in mind, like kiosks at fast food spots or digital signage in public places. That’s why it’s rock-solid and supported for the long haul—until 2032 in the case of Windows 10 LTSC IoT! If you manage to get your hands on it as a consumer, you’re in for an exceptional Windows experience.
Conclusion
So there you have it—five ways to extend the security patches of Windows 10. The first three are accessible but short-lived and come with trade-offs (either your data or a small fee). The last two are much better but reserved for enterprise users.
Once October 2026 arrives, the consumer options will likely disappear for good. Microsoft is steering users toward Windows 11—but with a little effort, you’ve got alternatives. Whether it’s tweaking unsupported hardware to run Windows 11 (which is easy and coming in a future post very shortly), switching to LTSC IoT, or even exploring Linux Mint, the choice is yours.
| Method | Duration | Cost | Main Catch | Who It’s For |
| Sync Microsoft Account | 1 year | Free (but data trade) | Requires syncing with Microsoft account and settings | Consumers |
| Microsoft Rewards Redemption | 1 year | Free (but data trade) | Must earn/redeem 1,000 points using Bing/MS services | Consumers |
| Direct Payment | 1 year | $30 USD (flat fee) | Small fee, setup required via Settings | Consumers |
| Extended Support (Enterprise) | 1–3 years | $61+, doubles yearly | Requires volume licensing, business access only | Businesses |
| LTSC / IoT LTSC | Up to 10 years | Varies (hard to obtain) | License restrictions, meant for enterprise/embedded use | Businesses |
