You’ve got a Windows 10 PC set up with all your creative tools that isn’t eligible for Windows 11 and you can't afford to pay for new hardware just yet. The only problem? Support for Windows 10 officially ends in October 2025, and without updates, your computer could be at risk. This means new security flaws won’t be patched, leaving your projects, client files, and personal data more vulnerable to malware or ransomware.
Imagine this scenario. You’re a photographer with an entire season’s worth of wedding shoots saved on your PC, or an author working hard on your next book. You sit down to work, but instead of being able to edit your files, you get a message that they are locked unless you pay a ransom. That’s the kind of nightmare creators want to avoid.
Here’s the good news: Microsoft is rolling out a way to keep your PC secure for another year, and in some cases, you can even get it for free. This grace period gives you more time to prepare for your next computer purchase. To see the option, make sure your Windows 10 is fully updated to the latest version.
Microsoft is currently rolling out this option, so if you don't see it just yet, check back later. However, you must set this up before Windows 10 support officially ends on October 14.
Imagine this scenario. You’re a photographer with an entire season’s worth of wedding shoots saved on your PC, or an author working hard on your next book. You sit down to work, but instead of being able to edit your files, you get a message that they are locked unless you pay a ransom. That’s the kind of nightmare creators want to avoid.
Here’s the good news: Microsoft is rolling out a way to keep your PC secure for another year, and in some cases, you can even get it for free. This grace period gives you more time to prepare for your next computer purchase. To see the option, make sure your Windows 10 is fully updated to the latest version.
Microsoft is currently rolling out this option, so if you don't see it just yet, check back later. However, you must set this up before Windows 10 support officially ends on October 14.
Please Note:
If the ESU enrollment option isn’t showing up in Windows Update, there are two possible ways to fix it. The easiest method is to use the free tool from abbodi1406’s GitHub: click the green Code button, download the ZIP file, extract it, and then right-click the Windows Command Script and run it as administrator. This script handles everything automatically. For those who prefer a manual route or want to troubleshoot deeper, Pureinfotech’s guide walks through registry edits and service tweaks to force the ESU option to appear. Both methods work, but the script is faster and beginner-friendly.
The ESU program gives you another year of security updates, so you can keep working without rushing into a new computer purchase. That extra time is useful if your budget or workflow isn’t ready for a hardware change.
Will my creative software still work?
Yes. Nothing should change in how your apps run. Photoshop, Premiere, Affinity, Blender, Reaper, or whatever you rely on should continue to work the same. The only difference is that your system stays protected against new security threats.
What happens if I don’t enroll in ESU?
Your PC will stop receiving security patches after October 14, 2025. That means you’ll still be able to use your creative tools, but you’ll be more vulnerable to malware and ransomware, which could put your projects and client files at risk.
Is it worth paying $30 instead of using the free options?
If you’d rather not deal with syncing backups or dealing with reward points, the $30 option is a small price to keep your setup secure for another year.
Should I start planning for new hardware anyway?
Yes. The ESU program buys you time, but eventually, you’ll need a system that supports Windows 11. Use this extra year to research the right machine for your creative workflow so you’re not caught off guard later.
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| When your creative flow gets hijacked by ransomware: update before it’s too late |
At a Glance
- Windows 10 support ends October 14, 2025.
- Microsoft’s ESU program extends updates for one year.
- You can pay with Reward points, OneDrive backup, or $30 cash.
- Requires the latest Windows 10 updates to appear.
Three Ways to Extend Windows 10 Updates
Once you access the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, you’ll see three ways to “pay” for another year of updates:- Cash in 1,000 Microsoft Reward points – The easiest option if you’ve been collecting points through Microsoft services.
- Sync Windows Backup with OneDrive – You can unlock free updates by linking your backups to OneDrive, though you might need to purchase extra storage.
- Pay $30 – If you’d rather keep it simple, just pay $30 and you’re set for another year of security fixes.
How to Enroll in Microsoft’s ESU Program
Some users will see a notification to join, but you can also check manually:- Open Settings.
- Go to Updates & Security > Windows Update.
- Look for the message that Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025.
- Click the link to “Enroll now” in the ESU program.
- Follow the instructions in the pop-up window.
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FAQ
Do I have to upgrade to Windows 11 right now?The ESU program gives you another year of security updates, so you can keep working without rushing into a new computer purchase. That extra time is useful if your budget or workflow isn’t ready for a hardware change.
Will my creative software still work?
Yes. Nothing should change in how your apps run. Photoshop, Premiere, Affinity, Blender, Reaper, or whatever you rely on should continue to work the same. The only difference is that your system stays protected against new security threats.
What happens if I don’t enroll in ESU?
Your PC will stop receiving security patches after October 14, 2025. That means you’ll still be able to use your creative tools, but you’ll be more vulnerable to malware and ransomware, which could put your projects and client files at risk.
Is it worth paying $30 instead of using the free options?
If you’d rather not deal with syncing backups or dealing with reward points, the $30 option is a small price to keep your setup secure for another year.
Should I start planning for new hardware anyway?
Yes. The ESU program buys you time, but eventually, you’ll need a system that supports Windows 11. Use this extra year to research the right machine for your creative workflow so you’re not caught off guard later.
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