Time Is Running Out for Windows 10
Once October 14th rolls around, Windows 10 PCs will no longer receive security updates or bug fixes, let alone new features. This means the longer you keep using it, the more prone your PC will become to malware and hackers.
My Current PC Isn’t Good Enough
Microsoft is eager to get holdouts like myself to move on from Windows 10, but the numbers suggest that many people are outright refusing Windows 11 for various reasons.
Why Am I Staying on Windows 10?
The biggest reason is that my PC apparently doesn’t qualify for Windows 11. I ran the Windows PC Health Check app and found that my Intel Core i3 processor doesn’t meet the requirements.
Extending Windows 10 Support via the ESU Program
By enrolling your PC in the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, you’ll get one extra year of Windows 10 security updates.
There are actually three ways to join the Windows 10 ESU program. A valid Microsoft account is needed for all three options:
- Option #1: Pay $30. This is a flat one-time fee that unlocks an extra year of Windows 10 security updates with no other strings attached (aside from needing a Microsoft account). The price may vary if you’re outside the US.
- Option #2: Enable Windows Backup. Windows Backup is a free feature that backs up selected files, folders, and settings to OneDrive so you don’t lose them if your PC dies, gets lost, or stolen. After activating Windows Backup, your Windows 10 PC gets extended updates.
- Option #3: Spend 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. Instead of paying $30, you can sign up for Microsoft Rewards and start earning points by doing things like searching on Bing, playing select games on Xbox One, buying items on the Microsoft Store, etc. Points can then be redeemed for extended security updates.
There’s Also Another Unofficial Option
If none of Microsoft’s official ESU options appeal to you—perhaps you don’t want to create a Microsoft account at all—there is one more thing you can try, but this path comes with caveats.
There’s a free third-party tool called UpDownTool that allegedly provides several more years of support for Windows 10. How does it work? It converts your PC to Windows 10 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel), which is a special, stripped-down version of Windows 10 that isn’t meant for general-use PCs.
Windows 10 LTSC has regular support until January 12th, 2027, and extended support until January 13th, 2032.
About UpDownTool
UpDownTool is actually aimed at Windows 11 users who regret upgrading and want to revert back to Windows 10. However, it can also be used by people on Windows 10 (or any other version of Windows) to switch over to Windows 10 LTSC.
By switching to Windows 10 LTSC, you’ll end up with a PC that runs Windows 10 but without the usual bloatware or any nagging pop-ups about upgrading to Windows 11.
Important: UpDownTool is a third-party tool that isn’t officially supported by Microsoft, so use it at your own risk if you choose this path.