Windows 10 is getting near the end of technical support. On October 14th, 2025 a lot of users without hardware for Windows 11 will stop receive security updates. It’s a serious problem because several devices around the world will be exposed to cyber threats. But you can still use Windows 10 without technical support with a Extended Security Updates for a year. However, you need to read the fine print in the contract because there are certain clauses to consider.
The Windows 10 technical support ends but there will be another year of Extended Security Updates and you can have it for free, but respecting the contract. At first, there were talks about a 30 dolar payment, but it was discarded and Microsoft said that logging in and making a security backup was enough. Then in Europe there were news that you only need to log in and avoid sharing data in the cloud.
How to get free Windows 10 without technical support for a year?
The free alternative to have access to a free year of Extended Security Updates with Windows 10 requires only logging in with your Microsoft account but it’s not that easy. In Windows Latest the Redmond company pointed that you have to log in at least 1 time every 60 days. If you don’t do this, your ESU license will be revoked.
Checking the log in
Microsoft will make periodical validations for users in order to keep the ESU program. If the system detects that your Microsoft account hasn’t been active in 60 days, the ESU will be suspended. If you don’t have an enabled local account, you won’t be able to keep your system security checked.
Consequences
If you don’t log in every 60 days and they revoke your ESU license, you can still ask for them again. Microsoft allows for the new inscription but you have to start the process again. Even without technical support for Windows 10, you can still make sure your devices are up to date.
The ecosystem
The Redmond company is looking for a better articulation between the operating system and the online account ecosystem. In the European Unino this requirement is laxer because you don’t need to synch with OneDrive like in the United States. However, you have to make sure to log in 1 time every 60 days at least.
Rejection
There are users that only use local accounts and having to log in online seems like a problem. For example, the famous Elon Musk complained recently that he had to create a Microsoft account in order to use the Windows operating system.
Nowadays, creating a local account for Windows 10 and other versions of the operating system is pretty complex. You can still do it and there are third party problems that help you to set a local account, but Microsoft is asking for online validation of every user. The time of computers that were completely offline is leaving definitely but there are those who still prefer it.