Not ready for Windows 11? Microsoft has announced it’s possible to get free security updates for Windows 10 for a year – but there’s a catch

Microsoft’s end-of-support date for Windows 10 is fast approaching: October 14th, 2025. After this date, regular security updates for Windows 10 will stop, leaving devices potentially exposed to cyber threats.

But there’s new information that gives businesses a little breathing room. Microsoft has announced that it will offer free security updates for Windows 10 users for one additional year, providing some temporary relief for those not ready to migrate to Windows 11. However, before you put your upgrade plans on pause, you need to understand the catch.

Historically, when Microsoft ends support for an operating system, businesses must either upgrade to a newer version or pay for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) to keep receiving critical patches. With this announcement, Microsoft is giving users a 12-month extension of free ESUs, allowing them to continue receiving vital security updates through October 2026.

This is particularly helpful for organizations that:

• Rely on legacy applications that don’t play well with Windows 11
• Have hardware not yet compatible with the new OS
• Need extra time to budget, plan, and test a smooth transition

However, there is a catch for redeeming the free offer, you need to do one of the following steps:

• Pay $30 in local currency.
• Use Windows Backup to sync your settings to the cloud.
• Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.

So this offer is only free if you utilize Windows Backup or have Microsoft points to redeem, otherwise it’s $30 which is still less than the $61 per user that was originally reported by Microsoft (and us).

Also, while this free security patch extension buys time, it is not a long-term solution. Once the grace period ends, businesses will need to:

• Upgrade to Windows 11 or beyond
• Pay for extended security updates beyond the free year
• Risk running unsupported devices that are vulnerable to cyberattacks

It’s also important to note that Microsoft has not promised feature updates or full support during this period, only essential security patches. Outdated software and hardware may still experience compatibility and performance issues, leaving businesses at a disadvantage compared to those who make the switch sooner.

Microsoft’s free Windows 10 security updates for an extra year are a welcome reprieve, but they’re not a permanent fix. The safest, most cost-effective path forward is to start planning your Windows 11 migration now, rather than waiting for the clock to run out. Contact Valley Techlogic today to schedule your Windows 11 readiness assessment and avoid the risks of running unsupported systems.

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