If Microsoft’s free Windows 10 security updates are not for you, then you can now buy the updates instead from its store. Unlike the free options, spending the $30 plus tax means you’re not obligated to log into a Microsoft Account to keep updates coming.
Windows Latest spotted the sudden addition. “Microsoft has finally published a product page in the Windows Store, titled ‘Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU).’ This is an extension that activates ESU for local accounts. It is barely 0.1 MB in size, and offers both paid and free options.”
Microsoft’s insistence that users log into cloud accounts has triggered a backlash and is one of the many reasons Windows still holds users back from upgrading to the cloudy Windows 11. “Windows 10’s $30 ESU requires you to sign-up for Microsoft account one time, then you can log out and never log in again. ESU will continue to work.”
D-Day was yesterday, Oct. 14, when Microsoft finally retired Windows 10. The fact it still has 500 million users is the reason for countless news stories on the deadline dominating user feeds. It’s genuinely a big deal, whether because of the “security disaster” risk from a widespread lack of support or the e-waste risk.
You still have all the same options you had yesterday. You can enroll in the free ESU with an account and OneDrive. You can upgrade to Windows 11 if your PC is eligible. You can buy a new PC. You can even turn your old Windows 10 PC into a Chromebook.
“The $29.99 price excludes taxes,” Windows Latest says, “so you might end up paying more when you purchase the license. Taxes will depend on your region, so check before hitting the buy button. It’ll be a one-time purchase and not a recurring subscription because Microsoft’s plan is to offer security updates for just one more year.”
Don’t fall off support. If the $30 account-free option is for you, buy now.