Windows 10: Windows 10 users beware! Security updates will not be available this month. What is the solution?
If you're still using Windows 10, this news is crucial. Tech giant Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 support is ending this month. This means users will no longer receive security updates and system patches. This decision will affect millions of Windows 10 users worldwide. Microsoft has given existing users two options: upgrade to Windows 11 or purchase paid updates for their systems. This decision is crucial in a price-sensitive market like India, where not everyone can afford a new PC.
Windows 10 Offer: Users Can Get Free Updates
Keeping the needs of Indian users in mind, Microsoft has introduced a way to keep Windows 10 secure without spending a fortune. The company has released a free update option, under which users can receive free updates if they meet certain conditions.
How to Get Windows 10 Free Updates?
Microsoft has announced reward points, allowing users to receive free updates by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft reward points or backing up their data to the Windows Backup cloud app. Users can earn these points by using Microsoft services—such as searching the Microsoft Bing browser, making purchases from the Microsoft Store, playing games on Xbox, or performing other activities associated with their Microsoft account.
Paid update plan option is also available
For users who don't want to accumulate points, the company has also released a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) plan. This plan is priced at $30 (approximately ₹2,550) annually. Support will be available from October 15, 2025, to October 13, 2026. However, local pricing in India has not yet been disclosed. Senior Microsoft executive Yusuf Mehdi stated in a blog post that this plan is designed for those who cannot upgrade to Windows 11 immediately.
The path to a free update is a bit tricky.
Tech experts say that accumulating the required 1,000 points may take time, especially with the October deadline approaching. Therefore, many users may opt for the paid ESU plan for convenience.
Why is Windows 10 support being ended?
Microsoft's decision is part of its new strategy to shift users to Windows 11 and CoPilot+ PCs. The company claims that Windows 11 offers 62% fewer security issues, 3 times fewer firmware attacks, and 2.3 times faster performance than Windows 10. Windows 11 also includes AI-powered features like Recall, CoCreator in Paint, Restyle in Photos, and CoPilot Vision, developed in partnership with companies like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, and Microsoft Surface.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
