Microsoft Changes Windows 10 Security Update Policy: Free ESUs Now Linked to OneDrive Backup
Microsoft has announced a significant change to its security update policy for Windows 10 users. Starting in 2025, users will need to meet certain criteria to receive free Extended Security Updates (ESUs).
As of May 2025, over half of Windows installs were of version 10 or earlier, with 43% on Windows 11. To continue receiving free ESUs, users must backup less than 5GB of data to OneDrive. Those with more than 5GB of data will need to upgrade to or already be paying for a higher tier of Microsoft 365 for backup.
Microsoft warns that up to a third of the world's Windows 10 fleet may not be upgraded to Windows 11 by the October 14, 2025 deadline. This could leave hundreds of millions of users running an unsecured operating system. Business users can buy three years' security updates and support for machines that can't upgrade to Windows 11.
Joe Green, a tech writer based in Bristol, UK, notes that Microsoft's efforts to speed up the changeover to Windows 11 have been insufficient. Less than half of Windows 10 machines were physically able to upgrade to Windows 11 in 2022. IT teams in enterprise settings were more proactive in identifying upgradeable desktops than smaller businesses. Users are advised to assess their backup needs and upgrade plans in light of these changes.
