Microsoft Adds Windows 10 Extended Security Updates to the Microsoft Store

Microsoft has quietly made it easier for Windows 10 users to stay protected beyond the official end of support. The company now offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) directly through the Microsoft Store, giving consumers a simple way to extend their system’s security lifespan — at least until October 13, 2026.

For those who prefer using a local account instead of linking Windows to a Microsoft account, this might sound like the perfect solution. However, there’s a small catch: to purchase the ESU package, you’ll still need to sign in with a Microsoft account. So while you can continue using your PC locally, you must momentarily link your account to make the purchase — a touch of irony that won’t go unnoticed.

What the Windows 10 ESU Program Includes

The new listing, titled “Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU)”, is now live in the Microsoft Store for $29.99. Once purchased, it activates almost instantly and registers your PC in the ESU program.

The installation is light — the download is just 0.1 MB, and setup completes in seconds. After activation, your system will continue to receive all critical and important security patches for an additional year, ensuring protection against vulnerabilities even after official support ends.

Essentially, this allows you to keep using Windows 10 securely without upgrading to Windows 11, while still maintaining your local user session if you prefer not to tie your PC permanently to the Microsoft ecosystem.

The Mysterious “Free Trial” Button

An interesting addition to the ESU page is a “Free Trial” button right next to the purchase option. Its purpose, however, remains unclear.

When tested, clicking “Free Trial” appeared to download and install the ESU package instantly — no payment required. The button then changed to read “Open Trial Version,” suggesting that the ESU may have been successfully activated.

This raises a few questions: does this trial actually enable ESU protection for free under certain conditions — such as running Windows 10 version 22H2 with a connected Microsoft account? Possibly. However, since test systems already enrolled in ESU may interfere with the results, there’s no official confirmation yet.

Microsoft hasn’t provided any public documentation about this free trial option, leaving users to speculate. We’ll have to wait for more clarity from Microsoft — or real-world feedback from users — to know whether it’s a genuine free activation or simply a placeholder feature.

Why the ESU Program Matters

For many users and organizations, Windows 10 remains a reliable and familiar operating system. Yet with official support ending soon, the ESU program offers an affordable safety net. It ensures that even if you’re not ready to switch to Windows 11, your system stays patched against emerging threats for at least one more year.

By integrating the program directly into the Microsoft Store, the company makes it easier for everyday users — not just businesses — to stay secure. While it’s a bit ironic that a Microsoft account is still required to enable ESU, the process remains more straightforward than the previous, enterprise-only licensing route.

Final Thoughts

Microsoft’s decision to bring Windows 10 ESU to the Microsoft Store is a welcome move for anyone wanting to extend their PC’s security lifespan. Despite the account login requirement, the process is quick, simple, and affordable.

Whether the mysterious “Free Trial” truly unlocks ESU benefits without payment is still up for debate, but one thing is clear: Microsoft is giving Windows 10 users one last, convenient way to stay protected until 2026.