The one-year additional support for Windows 10 always requires a Microsoft account. By purchasing an ESU license, users do not avoid this requirement, Microsoft clarified.
However, one ESU license will be valid for up to 10 devices, so anyone with multiple PCs doesn't need to purchase separate ESU licenses for each system.
Initially, Microsoft's announcement of Extended Security Updates gave the impression that the account requirement only applied for free access to the program.
Microsoft will end mainstream support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, after which customers will no longer receive technical support, feature updates, or security updates. Companies can participate in ESU program paid for three years, but ESU end users will have a transitional solution until October 2026.
Microsoft is gradually rolling out the ESU program to users and should be generally available by mid-August.
Extended updates only include security updates, but not new features or any other support for users.
Of course, there is another free solution
Windows 10 LTSC expires in 2027+2032 (what you can do)
Although the press releases will range from very select to rare, I said I'd pass...because sometimes the editors hide.
