How to get free Windows 10 security updates through October 2026: Two ways

[Shrek]

How to get free Windows 10 security updates through October 2026: Two ways

How to get free Windows 10 security updates through October 2026: Two ways

Don't want to fork over $30 for a one-year subscription to Windows 10 Extended Security Updates? Microsoft is offering a couple of ways to avoid the fee. But there is a catch.

www.zdnet.com

I'll just use 1,000 Microsoft Reward points (worth 77¢) on each of the Windows 10 machines I want to keep running.

 

[TheDeeGee]

Unplug the internet until 25H2 is out and hope it's good for once.

 

[TheLostSwede]

I'll just use 1,000 Microsoft Reward points on each of my Windows 10 machines I want to keep running.

I only have 161...

 

[Bill_Bright]

Interesting. I have amassed over 152,700 rewards points so according to that article, I should be good to go for 152 years!

Or Oct 2026, which ever comes first.

What bothers me, and where I am still confused is the Local Account bit. Under the last screen shot is a fine print comment that says,

The free options require a commitment using a Microsoft account.

I much prefer to use a Local Account.

I only have 161...

Start using Bing as your primary search engine.

 

[Shrek]

149,500 points gets you 23 $5 gift cards

Microsoft Rewards redemption catalog

Earn free points with Microsoft Rewards that you can redeem for gift cards, use to enter sweepstakes, or donate to a nonprofit.

rewards.bing.com

 

[A Computer Guy]

How to get free Windows 10 security updates through October 2026: Two ways

How to get free Windows 10 security updates through October 2026: Two ways

Don't want to fork over $30 for a one-year subscription to Windows 10 Extended Security Updates? Microsoft is offering a couple of ways to avoid the fee. But there is a catch.

www.zdnet.com

I'll just use 1,000 Microsoft Reward points on each of my Windows 10 machines I want to keep running.

Install Linux, Install VMWare Workstation or Virtual Box, Run Windows 10 in VM never connected to internet more than necessary?

 

[Bill_Bright]

152,700 points gets you 23 $5 gift cards

Yeah, and that's cool. $115 of free gift cards for doing nothing but use Bing.

But if I can redeem them to continue W10 support for another year, I'll still have over 140,000 points left, and another year to research parts for my next personal build to replace this computer. Sadly (???) this computer refuses to die and still supports me just fine after 9+ years. And because it still supports me, I have been putting off building a new machine and migrating over to W11 for my primary system.

I guess that's my fault for doing my homework back then and buying reliable parts that have lasted this long. That and a good UPS with AVR to keep this computer fed well.

Oh well.

I am just waiting for the MS bashers to join this thread to trash MS for not providing free eternal support.

 

[Shrek]

Moved an old machine to Linux Mint/Cinnamon... I'll move it back to Windows 10 for now.

 

[Bill_Bright]

I think it important that note that the security industry will continue to support W10 for some time - until they no longer can, or until it becomes a money losing cause.

That said, I do wonder about those (including me) who use Defender as our primary security. Will Defender still support W10 after W10 support ends?

According to Microsoft Bing's AI search, the answer is Yes!

Will Defender still support W10 after W10 support ends?

Yes, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will continue to support Windows 10 versions that have reached the end of support date. This includes versions like 1809 or 2004, and it is expected to remain fully operational on Windows 10 22H2 at least as long as this version keeps receiving Extended Security Updates. Additionally, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will continue to receive updates until October 2028, ensuring basic malware protection for a few more years after the end of support for Windows 10.

 

[Shrek]

Two Windows 10 machines enrolled, didn't even need to use Microsoft points.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Two Windows 10 machines enrolled, didn't even need to use Microsoft points.

Using what method? I note when I look at my Windows Update page, there is no option to "Enroll now".

Are you using a Microsoft or Local account?

 

[Shrek]

Windows update page, using a Microsoft account.

 

[Bill_Bright]

...using a Microsoft account.

That's what I was afraid of. I use a local account. I will wait a bit just in case the option has not been "rolled out" to my system yet.

 

[Vayra86]

I

I think it important that note that the security industry will continue to support W10 for some time - until they no longer can, or until it becomes a money losing cause.

That said, I do wonder about those (including me) who use Defender as our primary security. Will Defender still support W10 after W10 support ends?

According to Microsoft Bing's AI search, the answer is Yes!

I think MS is always going to try and soften the landing until the actual market share of 10 is below some number of 10-5% ; they still benefit from that kind of customer care, historically all these limitations in support have always been nudges, not enforcement. The user base is far too diverse for that and eventual shitstorms on the horizon are best avoided for the Windows brand.

 

[mbeeston]

huh, knew about the cloud one, didn't know about the reward points one.