October will mark the end of security support for Windows 10, as Microsoft officially prepares to retire the operating system. Users can pay £30 for a one-year Extended Security Update (ESU), but there’s also a free alternative, but only if you’re willing to use Microsoft’s cloud services.
In that case, all you need is to back up your device using Windows Backup and connect it to your OneDrive account. This allows you to continue receiving updates without paying for the ESU plan.
With Windows 10 still powering over 53 per cent of PCs as of May 2025, the offer is significant. Without updates, millions of devices will soon be left without vital security patches. Microsoft’s cloud-based workaround offers a stopgap for users not ready to switch to Windows 11.
The only potential issue is OneDrive storage. Anyone with a Microsoft account receives up to 5 GB of storage for free. However, as Verge points out, some backups may exceed this limit, requiring users to purchase a monthly or yearly plan. At £2 per month for 100 GB of cloud storage, a year of OneDrive still costs less than £30 for an extra year of security updates, but it may still cause frustration among some customers.
Today also marks the 10th anniversary of Windows 10, which launched to great success. Now, as Windows 11’s market share finally overtakes it, Microsoft is moving to retire the OS, joining the likes of Windows 7 and Windows XP in the company’s archives.
In a recent blog post, Microsoft outlined three steps for getting free Windows 10 security updates through its new incentive programme:
Firstly, you need to sync your settings to OneDrive in the cloud using Windows Backup. Then, utilise 1,000 points from Microsoft Rewards. Finally, you can purchase a year’s worth of security updates using those points.
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Users will be able to redeem this starting in July, when Microsoft expects to roll out the sign-up process for the Extended Security Updates program. Businesses will have the option to pay for up to three years of further upgrades; however, signing up for this will ensure updates through 13 October 2026. This gives you extra time to switch to Windows 11, but it isn’t a permanent solution.
It’s been an uphill battle for Microsoft, as customers have been reluctant to replace their existing devices. Although there are many differences between the two operating systems, the previous generation OS has lingered much longer than expected due to Microsoft’s series of unpopular decisions and issues with Windows 11.
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