How to Keep Windows 10 for an Extra Year — FREE!
When Windows 10 reaches its end of official support on October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop issuing critical and important security updates. That means after that date, without intervention, your PC becomes more exposed to malware and vulnerabilities.
But here’s the great news:
📌 Users have three ways to stay protected until October 13, 2026:
Use Windows Backup to sync your settings and files to One Drive (free, up to 5 GB),
Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points (no cost), or
Pay $30 USD (or local equivalent).
Option 2 is especially attractive—if you’re already earning points via Bing searches or Microsoft services, a free year of security updates is right within your reach.
🎯 Why redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points?
It costs you nothing out‑of‑pocket.
You likely already earn points passively—just by using Bing or shopping through Microsoft links.
It avoids paying for OneDrive storage or the $30 paid option.
Updates apply to up to 10 Windows 10 PCs linked under your Microsoft account.
🛠 Step‑by‑Step: Join Microsoft Rewards and Redeem Points
1. Sign up for Microsoft Rewards
Go to https://rewards.microsoft.com and sign in or create a Microsoft account.
Accept the Microsoft Rewards terms.
You’re now enrolled and can start earning points.
2. Earn Microsoft Rewards points (quickly!)
Search with Bing while signed in to your Microsoft account.
Complete daily sets like quizzes, trivia, and tasks on the Rewards dashboard.
Shop in the Microsoft Store, or earn via Xbox activities—available in your region.
Many users report it’s feasible to rack up ~1,000 points in 1–2 weeks just by doing daily Bing tasks.
3. Check your points balance
Visit the Microsoft Rewards dashboard.
Ensure you have at least 1,000 points available to spend.
4. Enroll in ESU on your Windows 10 device
On the Windows 10 PC (must be version 22H2 and updated), go to:
Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
If eligible, you’ll see an “Enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU)” link.
This is expected to be offered starting some time in July 2025. No specific date has yet been mentioned, so keep your eyes open for it.
Click Enroll now. If you’re signed in with a local account, Windows will prompt you to sign in with your Microsoft account.
5. Choose the rewards points option
During the wizard, pick “Redeem Microsoft Rewards points”.
Confirm the 1,000‑point redemption.
Your machine will be automatically enrolled in ESU.
6. Verification and coverage
Once enrolled, Windows Update will deliver critical and important security patches through Oct 13, 2026—even after mainstream support ends.
You’ll get monthly updates via the normal Windows Update process.
✨ Why this matters
For consumers holding onto Windows 10 until you’re ready to upgrade—or whose machines aren’t eligible for Windows 11—this is a perfect bridge solution. You get another year of security absolutely free, while you plan your next move.
