So, you have decided to stick with Windows 10 ESU Program for one more year. You are not alone.
Following the October 2025 “End of support in windows 10” deadline, Windows 10 ESU Program, Microsoft launched the Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. For $30 (USD), this program keeps your PC on life support with critical security patches until October 2026.
However, not every computer can join Windows 10 ESU Program. Before you pull out your credit card, you need to verify your eligibility. Here is the definitive guide to checking your status and activating the lifeline.
Prerequisites: The “Must-Haves”
Before you even open the Settings menu, your PC must meet these three strict criteria. If you miss one, the option simply won’t appear. Windows 10 Updates are stopped then you have to look for:
- Version 22H2: You must be running the final version of Windows 10 (22H2). Older versions (like 21H1) are not supported.
- Administrator Access: You must be signed in as an Administrator, not a Standard User or Guest.
- No “Organization” Management: If your PC says “Managed by your organization” (common on work laptops or school devices), you are not eligible for the $30 consumer plan. You fall under the (much more expensive) commercial plan.
Step-by-Step: How to Verify and Enroll
Method 1: The “Windows Update” Check (Easiest)
This is the official method. If your PC is eligible for windows 10 ESU Program, Microsoft will essentially “invite” you via the settings menu.
- Click the Start button and select the Gear Icon (Settings).
- Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Crucial Step: Click the Check for Updates button one last time. You need the specific “Enabler Update” (KB505xxxx) installed for the offer to trigger.
- Look for the Banner:
- If Eligible: You will see a new section appearing under the update status: “Get Extended Security Updates for this PC.”
- If Not Eligible: You will only see the “Get Ready for Windows 11” or “End of Support” warning without a purchase button.
Method 2: The Manual Version Check
If you don’t see the banner, force a check to see if your software version is the problem.
- Press Windows Key + R on your keyboard.
- Type
winverand hit Enter. - Look for “Version 22H2”.
- If it says 21H2 or older: You must update Windows 10 fully for free before you can pay for the extension. Go back to Windows Update and install all pending “Feature Updates.”
How to Purchase the $30 Pass
Once the banner appears in Method 1:
- Click “Enroll Now” or “Learn More” on the ESU banner.
- You will be prompted to sign in with your Microsoft Account.
- Note: You cannot use a local offline account for this. The license is digital and tied to your email.
- Complete the checkout process ($30 + tax).
- Restart your computer.
- Verification: Go back to Settings > Update & Security > Activation. It should now say “ESU License: Active” or similar wording.
Troubleshooting: “Why can’t I see the option?”
If you are on Version 22H2 and still don’t see the Windows 10 ESU Program offer, here are the common reasons:
- Region Lock: The Consumer ESU program is not available in every country globally. If you are in a region where it hasn’t launched, you won’t see the banner.
- Enterprise Edition: If you are running Windows 10 Enterprise or Education edition (check this by right-clicking This PC > Properties), you are not eligible for the $30 consumer rate. You must contact your IT department.
- Registry Blocks: If you used “Privacy Tools” or scripts to block telemetry/updates in the past, these tools often block the ESU offer. You may need to reverse those changes.
Expert Verdict: Is it worth the $30?
As tech professionals, we want to be clear about what you are buying:
- YES, Buy It If: You have a perfectly good PC that you plan to replace in late 2026 and just need to bridge the gap safely for online banking and taxes.
- NO, Skip It If: You only use the PC for offline tasks (typing documents, playing old games) and never connect to Wi-Fi. In that case, simply disconnect the internet – it’s free and 100% secure from remote hackers.
Warning: Be careful of scams. Do not buy “Windows 10 ESU Keys” or Windows 10 ESU Program files from third-party websites or eBay. This is a digital entitlement that must be activated directly through your Microsoft Settings or the official Microsoft Store to work.