Alright, so imagine this: you’re sitting at your laptop, sipping a lukewarm coffee that you forgot about, and then you get hit with this Microsoft newsflash. Apparently, if you want to keep your trusty Windows 10 going strong after October 2025, you’ll have to fork over $30 to join the Extended Security Updates (ESU) party. But here’s the kicker — you gotta have a Microsoft Account. This sorta feels like being told you need to bring a plus one to a wedding you didn’t even wanna attend.
Anyway, back to the whole $30 thing. Initially, it sounded like each of your ten gadgets needed its own ticket to the ESU show. But surprise! One fee gets you across the board. It’s like buying a party pass — one account, ten devices. Did I mention Microsoft was kinda vague about this at first? Yeah, classic.
This good-bad news vibe hits different. Good because — yay! — you’re saving cash. Bad because, well, now the Microsoft Account isn’t as avoidable as it seemed. At first, it looked like the account thing was only for those syncing with OneDrive for free access. But nope, everyone’s in, paying or not. Microsoft even tossed us a bone with a clear-cut statement about it. Weird how the simplest things can feel like uncovering a plot twist.
Oh, and about those enrollment options? Let’s break it down: pay your $30, gather 1,000 Microsoft magic points, or go the OneDrive sync route. Two outta three, ain’t that bad. But, obviously, some folks are grumbling, especially those steering clear of Microsoft Accounts till now. Yet, those already in the club are probably shrugging, ’cause hey, at least they’ll cover multiple devices without extra pennies dropping.
I gotta say, it’s a smart play by Microsoft, linking that license to your account. Makes it easier for them, though for us — heaps of devices isn’t exactly everyone’s reality, but there’s comfort in the chaos, right? Enroll each PC when you’re good and ready, but no need to fear the $30 boogeyman at each turn.
Oh, and pro tip: You don’t have to lose sleep if the enrollment invite hasn’t popped up yet — these things roll out like snail mail on a Tuesday. Just keep poking your PC settings till it shows.
To hop onto the ESU ride, head over to Settings, then Update & Security, then Windows Update. Click “Enroll now” if you’re in the zone. Not showing up? Relax, it will. The wheels of tech support grind slowly but oh-so-surely.
So, what’s the take on this ESU hullabaloo? I can’t be the only one with an opinion. Let’s hash it out. Also, shoutout to Robert for tipping me off.
