October 2025 Another change from Microsoft
If you are running Windows 11, Linux or are already enrolled on the Extended Security Updates program (ESU), then you don’t need to bother reading this.
This is only relevant to those of you still actively running a Windows 10 computer that hasn’t been enrolled into Microsoft’s Extended Security Update program (ESU). If in doubt, read on.
First things first, run Windows Update. I find the easiest way to do this is to click the start button (usually bottom left), type the word check and then look for Check for Updates (marked as System Settings) in the suggested results. Some of you may prefer going Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
In the Windows Update screen have a look to see if it mentions the ESU. If it tells you that you are already enrolled in the ESU, then that is great, you can stop reading.
If it offers you the option to Enrol in the ESU then you should do so. Microsoft say they will stop offering this option on the 13th of October so if I were you, I would just do it. To do so just click the option and it will ask you for your Microsoft Account details, and if you don’t’ have one it allows you to create one. Done. You can stop reading.
If you don’t see any mention of the ESU, then your computer is probably not up to date enough to get the option. You should click the Check for Updates button on the screen you are on, and install everything that it finds. You might need to restart at the end and rerun it a few times but hopefully if you keep running Windows Update you should get the option to Enrol in the ESU. Microsoft do say that they are implementing this progressively, so if you do all of the above and don’t get the choice to Enrol, then it could just be a matter of time, keep trying each day and hopefully it will appear before the deadline.
And that is it. Bear in mind that this will only extend your usage of that PC running Windows 10 for a year, but that is possibly ideal for those who aren’t ready to commit to a new computer, Windows 11 or Linux.
If that is all too simple for you then here’s a link to Microsoft’s recent update about it.
If you need help with this you know where I am. 😊