With the Windows 10 end-of-life date of October 14, 2025, rapidly approaching, ensuring your systems remain secure is absolutely critical. After this date, standard security updates will cease, leaving unprotected PCs vulnerable to new threats. For many, upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t immediately feasible. The solution for continued protection is the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.
Traditionally, the ESU program has been available primarily to large organizations through volume licensing agreements or specific enterprise and education subscriptions. However, there’s now an innovative new path making these vital security updates accessible to a wider audience, including small businesses and potentially consumers.
This new method involves leveraging Microsoft Points. By utilizing certain Microsoft services, particularly Windows 365 Cloud PC or specific qualifying Microsoft 365 subscriptions, users can accumulate these points. Each month of qualifying service usage translates into points that can be redeemed for a one-year ESU license.
This provides a structured way to earn the necessary coverage for up to three years of post-end-of-life security updates without needing traditional complex licensing agreements. It significantly increases accessibility to the ESU program, offering a practical solution for those who need to maintain Windows 10 past its support deadline while ensuring they remain protected against evolving cyber threats. By participating in this program, you gain valuable time to plan your transition while keeping your data and systems secure. This point-based system is a game-changer for achieving continued security and compliance on Windows 10.
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-windows-10-extended-security-updates-available-using-reward-points/
