Latest news with #WindowsBackup
Phone Arena
5 days ago
- Phone Arena
Windows 10 support lives on – but only if you give Microsoft something in return
Microsoft is now making Windows 10's extended security updates (ESU) program free. But there's a catch: you need to sync your PC settings data to the cloud via a Microsoft Account, using the new Windows Backup app, to benefit from this offer. Mainstream support for the beloved Windows 10 ends on October 14 this year. However, many people are still rocking Windows 10, disliking Windows 11, and on top of it all, Windows 11 is one demanding (and very hardware-intensive) OS to install. So, Microsoft is now making it easy to remain supported even if your PC or laptop is running Windows 10 via security updates until October 2026 for free. The Windows 10 ESU program was announced last year, and it costs $30 per device if you don't want to sign in with a Microsoft Account and sync your PC settings to the cloud. As an alternative, you can pay 1,000 Microsoft Reward points instead of cash. To enroll your PC or laptop in the Windows 10 ESU program, you need to use a dedicated app that will begin rolling out in July. Meanwhile, the Windows Backup app is already available for Windows 10 users. The app allows you to sync documents, pictures, apps, credentials, and even PC settings to the cloud using your Microsoft Account. The backup is done via OneDrive, which provides 5G of cloud storage for free for each user. This Windows Backup app needs to be set up if you want the free security updates that go beyond October 2025 (which is when the official Windows 10 end-of-support is). Windows 10 Image Credit – Clint Patterson on Unsplash Basically, more than half of the Windows users right now are running Windows 10. And of course, Microsoft may be starting to worry that this October over half a billion PCs and laptops will be abandoned without support, and may be vulnerable to new security threats. So, this latest move of giving the option to benefit from the ESU program for free can have more people from that user base remain supported for an additional course, if you don't want to use your Microsoft Account and back up your PC settings to the cloud or you don't want to pay for extended security updates, your Windows 10 machine will be left unsupported on October 14, 2025. At first, this isn't a huge deal - nothing major should change - but over time, it could become an issue. The thing is, malicious users are always one step ahead, right - they find new to hack a computer and discover new security vulnerabilities. Those usually get addressed via security updates, but if your Windows 10 isn't getting any, well, it will slowly become a bigger risk. It's worth noting that the ESU program is designed only to deliver security updates to your Windows 10. So there won't be any new features and improvements to the OS anyway. Technical support for Windows 10 will end on October 14 even if you signed in with a Microsoft Account or decided to pay $30. So, no bug fixes either. Just security patches. Microsoft has been trying to urge people to move to Windows 11. A curious end-of-support article recently basically said in plain text that you should get a new laptop for Windows 11... Of course, the company would love you to either upgrade to Windows 11 on your existing laptop (if it supports it) or buy a new one. The ESU program basically exists so people who have no choice but to stay on Windows 10 for now can at least be somewhat protected from risks. And understandably, if you want the new features that Microsoft releases, you'll have to be on Windows 11 as well. Right now, the company is betting heavy on AI and many of the latest Windows 11 features are, well, in this direction. Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer
Jordan News
6 days ago
- Jordan News
Microsoft Offers Free Windows 10 Updates — But With a Hidden Catch! - Jordan News
In a surprising move, Microsoft has announced that it will offer free Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 users ahead of the official end-of-support deadline on October 14, 2025. This marks a reversal of its earlier plan, which required users to pay $30 annually for the updates. اضافة اعلان However, the new 'free' offer comes with a significant condition: users must activate the Windows Backup tool to back up their settings and folders using Microsoft's OneDrive cloud service. This is where the potential 'hidden cost' lies—OneDrive offers only 5 GB of free storage. As a result, users with a large amount of local data—especially in the "Documents" folder—may need to purchase additional cloud storage to ensure smooth operation of the backup feature. This could turn the free updates into an indirect cost. Microsoft now offers three ways for personal Windows 10 device users to access the Extended Security Updates (ESU): Free Option: By activating Windows Backup and using OneDrive for backup. Direct Payment: Pay $30 per year for updates. Rewards Program: Redeem 1,000 points from the Microsoft Rewards program. The company plans to roll out a dedicated tool in July to help users choose one of these options and register for the program automatically. It's worth noting that consumer ESU updates will continue until October 13, 2026, while organizations can extend updates for up to three more years for a fee. Devices running Windows 10 that are used to access cloud-based Windows 11 environments (like Windows 365 and Virtual Machines) will also receive these updates for free. Clearly, Microsoft is pushing hard for users to transition to Windows 11, calling 2025 the 'Windows 11 PC Refresh Year,' despite the current global dominance of Windows 10.
India Today
6 days ago
- India Today
Free Windows 10 extended updates? Microsoft says yes for now
Microsoft is temporarily offering free security updates for Windows 10 users ahead of its official end-of-support deadline on October 14, 2025. This offer will serve as an alternative to the previously announced $30 annual fee which the company announced last year for Extended Security Updates (ESU). However, the free update comes with a condition: To get the extended updates for free users must enable Windows Backup, which uses OneDrive cloud syncing on OneDrive offers users storage for personal files. Every Microsoft account includes 5GB of free OneDrive storage. However, if you need more space for larger local file collections, you may need to purchase additional storage. OneDrive plans start at $1.99 per month for 100GB. In India, this is priced at Rs 140 per month or Rs 1,400 per year. While the subscription is cheaper than the $30 ESU fee, it is still an additional to enrol for free Windows 10 extended updatesStarting July 2025—Microsoft will include a built-in enrolment wizard in Windows 10 for the ESU programme. It will give users three options to continue receiving security updates through 13 October 2026. This includes – Enable Windows Backup, syncing data to OneDrive (free)– Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points for one year of updates– Pay $30 directly for extended security coverageadvertisementThis enrolment process will also guide users through setup and automatically enrol eligible availability of this free security option aligns with the continued use of Windows 10. Despite Microsoft's continued efforts to push users towards the new Windows 11, Windows 10 is still one of the most-used versions of Microsoft's operating systems. It is reportedly running on over 53 per cent of PCs as of May 2025. This high usage has made the upcoming support cutoff a concern for many users who either cannot or do not intend to upgrade to newer hardware that supports Windows the personal devices running on Windows 10 will stop receiving updates by October 2026. Meanwhile, business users will have the option to purchase up to three additional years of security support. Microsoft is also allowing free ESU access for Windows 10 devices that connect to Windows 365 Cloud PCs or virtual 10 was released in 2015. Now, after almost a decade, the OS is reaching the end of official support in October 2025. After that, devices not enroled in the ESU programme will stop receiving security updates. This will make them more vulnerable to cyber threats. Microsoft 365 apps will continue to receive security updates on Windows 10 through October 2028, but feature updates will stop by August 2026.- Ends
Ammon
6 days ago
- Ammon
Microsoft makes Windows 10 extended security updates free
Ammon News - Microsoft revealed last year that it will charge consumers $30 for a year of extra security updates to Windows 10. Now, it's allowing consumers to enroll into its Extended Security Updates (ESU) free of charge ahead of the Windows 10 end of support on October 14th. But there's a catch. Consumers will have three options to get ESU on their personal Windows 10 PCs, and the free option involves enabling Windows Backup to sync your settings and folders to the cloud. Windows Backup uses OneDrive, so while it's possible to stay below the 5GB of free storage, if you have a lot of files stored locally in the Documents folder then you'd need to purchase additional space for Windows Backup to work fully. That's the catch for free extended updates on Windows 10. The other two options to get ESU on Windows 10 involve paying the $30 fee for a year of updates, or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Reward points. Microsoft is adding an enrollment wizard to Windows 10 in July that will have these three options. 'Once you select an option and follow the on-screen steps, your PC will automatically be enrolled,' says Yusuf Mehdi, executive vice president and consumer chief marketing officer at Microsoft. Consumers will only get extended security updates for Windows 10 until October 13th, 2026, but businesses have the option to purchase up to three years of important security updates. Microsoft is also making ESU free for Windows 10 devices that are accessing Windows 11 Cloud PCs through its Windows 365 and Virtual Machines. Microsoft really wants people to stop using Windows 10, and has already called 2025 'the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh.' Windows 11 became the most popular OS for PC gaming late last year, but 37 percent of Steam users are still using Windows 10 right now. Microsoft only has a few months left to convince Windows 10 users to upgrade or switch PCs, so I'd expect to see more full-screen prompts to alert consumers about the end of support cutoff. The Verge
Time of India
7 days ago
- Time of India
Microsoft is offering free Windows 10 security updates till 2026, but there's a catch...
Representative Image Microsoft has announced that it will offer free Windows 10 security updates until 2026 for certain users. With this move, the tech giant is expanding options for users beyond its paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program. This move comes just a few months before the original October 14, 2025, end-of-support date for Windows 10. Users can now receive an additional year of Windows 10 security updates for free by opting into Windows Backup, an app that backs up settings and files using a Microsoft account. Alternatively, users can gain ESU updates by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, earned through activities like Microsoft account purchases or Bing searches. While these offers do not formally extend Windows 10's official end-of-support date, they effectively provide an extra year of free updates for users. This is particularly relevant for those who prefer not to migrate to Windows 11 or whose PCs do not meet the upgrade requirements. Windows 10 remains installed on a slight majority of the world's Windows PCs, according to StatCounter data. The original ESU program, announced last fall, costs $30 per PC for one year of additional security updates. Microsoft will begin offering Windows 10 users access to its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program through system notifications and the Settings app, with testing starting now in the Insider Preview channel and full rollout expected by mid-August. Consumers can receive free security updates until October 13, 2026, while businesses and schools will need to pay for up to three years of coverage. Accessing these updates requires a Microsoft Account, part of Microsoft's broader push toward account integration and eventual migration to Windows 11. What Microsoft said about extending the offer for free Windows 10 security updates by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Lær hva kjøkken- og badrenovering koster i Norge oppussing av kjøkken | Søkeannonser Søk nå Undo In a blog post, Yusuf Medhi, Microsoft Consumer Chief Marketing Officer, wrote: 'To help make your move to a Windows 11 PC, as simple and secure as possible, we recommend using Windows Backup—built right into Windows 10. It's an easy way to help you safely and securely transfer your data, personal files, and most settings and applications, so everything's ready for you the moment you sign in.' While the free updates are a welcome option, Microsoft continues to push Windows 11 upgrades and new PC purchases, maintaining the 2025 end-of-support date for Windows 10. Windows 11 adoption is growing steadily, now surpassing Windows 10 usage in the US and among Steam gamers, signalling a shift despite earlier stagnation. However, the need to manually opt in to the ESU program may leave some less tech-savvy users unprotected. Questions remain about how enrollment works across reinstalls or multiple devices, with more details from Microsoft still awaited. Realme GT 7: 7000mAh Battery, 120W Charging & Flagship Power Under Rs 40K! AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
