How to enable Extended Security Updates (ESU) in Windows 10 step by step

The end of official support for Windows 10 is an imminent reality: from the 14th October 2025, devices still using this operating system will no longer receive security patches and critical updates, which poses a danger to users in terms of protection against cyber threats. However, Microsoft has enabled an alternative called Extended Security Updates (ESU) Program, designed to extend the operating system's lifespan by an additional 12 months, until October 2026.

In this article we explain in detail all the ways to activate ESU on your PC with Windows 10We will see both the Free options available in Spain and the rest of Europe, As the payment alternatives or through Microsoft Rewards points for those who don't meet certain requirements. We'll also give you all the steps to do it yourself, depending on your case and device type.

What is the ESU program and who is eligible?

El Extended Security Updates (ESU) It is a subscription that allows extend security update support beyond the official end-of-life date of Windows 10. Through the ESU, users will continue to receive critical security patches and important fixes for an additional year after October 14, 2025.

It is available for devices with Windows 10 version 22H2 in its editions Home, Professional, Pro Education or Workstation, as long as they are updated to the latest version and have signed in with a Microsoft account valid (not associated with minors).

Options for activating ESU: free or paid

1. Activate it for free in Spain and the European Union

Thanks to regulatory pressure and consumer associations such as Euroconsumers, Microsoft allows private users in the European Economic Area (Spain included), activate the ESU totally free without having to use OneDrive, make backups, or pay any fees.

You simply need to meet these requirements:

• Windows 10 version 22H2 installed and updated
• Signed in with a Microsoft account (not minor)
• Log in at least once every 60 days to maintain access to the ESU

If you stop logging in for more than 60 days, you are considered not to be an active user and you lose free access to the ESU, having to pay or use points to reactivate it.

2. Free activation through Windows Backup

In regions outside Europe, a free option to activate the ESU is to use the tool “Backup of Windows" integrated into the system. This feature creates a cloud copy using OneDrive, giving automatic access to the ESU program.

Steps:

1. Go to Home > Settings > Accounts > Your Information and sign in with your Microsoft account if you haven't already.
2. Seeks "Backups of Windows” from the start menu.
3. Follow the instructions to enable backup (although you can choose to save only settings and avoid files).
4. Once the process is complete, you will be automatically enrolled in the ESU.

Remember that the free space in OneDrive is 5 GB, which is sufficient if you only back up system configurations.

3. Activation using Microsoft Rewards points

Another alternative that is free of charge in monetary terms, but requires dedication, is to use 1.000 Microsoft Rewards. Microsoft offers this points program that you can earn simply by using Bing, completing surveys or performing promotional tasks.

Once you reach 1.000 points:

• Go to Settings > Update & security > Windows Update.
• If your device is compatible, the option to register will appear.
• Select the Rewards points payment method and follow the wizard.

4. Activate the ESU by single payment

The most direct way is to make a payment of $30 USD (about €28-30 in Europe). This license is associated with your Microsoft account and allows you to use the ESU on up to 10 devices if they are linked to that same account.

Continuous sign-in is not required, but payment from a valid Microsoft account is required.

How to know if your PC is eligible for ESU

To check if your device can access the ESU:

1. Opens Settings > Update & security > Windows Update.
2. If you see a message related to the end of support, click on More Information.
3. A wizard will open where you can choose the activation method: free, points-based, or a one-time payment.

If you don't see this option yet, please be patient: Microsoft is rolling out this assistant gradually. throughout 2025. The important thing is to make sure you meet all the requirements mentioned above so that it arrives on time.

Manual activation in enterprise or volume environments

To organizations or advanced users, Microsoft offers another activation method using ESU MAK keys through the Microsoft 365 admin center. These keys can be installed and activated using slmgr.vbs from the command prompt.

General steps:

1. Get the key from Microsoft 365 (> Billing > View contracts > View keys).
2. Open the command prompt with administrator privileges.
3. Install the key with: slmgr.vbs /ipk TU_CLAVE_ESU
4. Activate with: slmgr.vbs /ato ID_ACTIVACIÓN
5. Check the status with: slmgr.vbs /dlv

Activation by phone is also possible. For large volumes, Microsoft offers the tool. Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT), included in the Windows ADKThis allows you to manage multiple offline activations.

What if I use virtual machines or cloud environments?

On platforms like Windows 365 or solutions hosted on Azure, ESU is automatically activated without the need for passwords or additional intervention. This applies if:

• Your local PC is joined to Microsoft Access (Azure AD).
• You log in with the same account linked to Windows 365 at least every 22 days.

For other virtualization solutions (Citrix, VMware, Nutanix…), you will need manual activation.

The ESU Program of Windows 10 is an excellent alternative for those who want to continue using this operating system without compromising the security of their data and equipment. Whether by paying for the license, using points, or taking advantage of the free option available in Europe, the most important thing is to meet the requirements and activate the feature as soon as possible. If you don't see the option in your settings yet, Windows update make sure you have the system updated and patience: Microsoft will continue the rollout until October 14, 2025. In the meantime, this process will help you keep your computer protected for another year and buy you time to make decisions about a future migration to Windows 11 or alternative systems such as Linux.