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Here’s how you can extend Windows 10 support for free before end-of-life in a few clicks

It can be done through the Windows settings
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Here’s how you can extend Windows 10 support for free before end-of-life in a few clicks
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Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 soon, on October 14, which is why many people have already upgraded to Windows 11. But if you’re someone who still wants to keep using Windows 10 a little longer, there’s some good news. You can extend security updates for free with just a few clicks. This gives you extra time to use your current system safely before eventually upgrading.

How to extend Windows 10 support

When Microsoft ends support for an operating system, it means it will stop getting important updates. These updates include security patches, bug fixes, and stability improvements. Without them, your computer may eventually become more vulnerable to hackers, viruses, and other online threats (assuming you continue to use the internet). Over time, you may also face compatibility issues, as newer apps and hardware might not fully work with an unsupported system. So, while you can keep using Windows 10 after support ends, it becomes riskier and less reliable.

However, if you’re not ready to move to Windows 11 yet, you can extend Windows 10’s security updates for free until October 2026. This way, your computer will continue to receive protection against security threats for one more year beyond the official end date.

Here’s how to enable the extended support:

  1. Open the Settings app on your Windows 10 computer.
  2. Go to Update & Security.
  3. In the Windows Update section, look for the notice about Windows 10 support ending in October 2025.
  4. Click on Enroll Now.

Once you do this, your device will automatically receive Extended Security Updates for one more year. These updates will keep your computer protected until October 2026. After that, you won’t be able to extend support any further, and upgrading to Windows 11 will be the best way to stay secure and get new features. Keep in mind that this extension only covers security updates, not new features or performance improvements. Eventually, you’ll still need to move on to Windows 11 to get the latest features.


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About the Author

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.