Windows 10 End of Life or is it?

Microsoft has officially ended basic support for Windows 10 as of 14th October, however you can use something called ESU or Extended Support Updates. Depending on what version you are using there are different ways to obtain updates.

Windows 10 Home

Windows 10 Home users are classed as consumers and therefore have the most options to getting an ESU for one year.

You get the benefit of updates until October 2026 if you follow one of three routes provided that the current version of Windows 10 is the latest version (22H2):

A. Perform a Windows Backup

You need to perform a Windows Backup using Microsoft OneDrive, storing files and settings in their cloud system.

You must be logged in using a Microsoft account, if you have a Local account, you can log in with a Microsoft account from the Settings app, then Accounts then to Your info. 

In order to configure Windows Backup to backup your apps and settings, click on the Settings app, then Accounts then Windows Backup. You will see that you can turn on Remember my apps and Remember my settings

B. Redeem credits

When logged into a Microsoft account, use of Microsoft Edge as your browser and the Bing search engine gives you credits that you can redeem for ESU.

C. Pay money for the ESU

Last time I checked, the price for Windows 10 Home is £30. 

Enrol for ESU

From the Settings app, choose Windows Update and you will see a section about enrolling for ESU. 

Windows 10 Pro & Education

Microsoft views Windows 10 Pro as a commercial product rather than a consumer version and the ESU is available for a maximum of 3 years. The first year cost is £58, with the second year cost being £116 and the third year costing £232 per machine. 

For schools and colleges, the Education licence ESU is available for £0.90 for the first year, and no price yet for following years.

For charities, the licence ESU is also available for £0.90.

 

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