- A Microsoft Support Document reveals a new twist on Windows 10’s extended update form
- Even if you pay $ 30 for the program you need a Microsoft account
- The good news is that up to 10 units are supported with a license
We’ve had a surprise late revelation that Windows 10’s extended update scheme requires you to have a Microsoft account even if you pay for these updates (and don’t take that free offer).
Windows Central revealed a Microsoft Support Document that carries this info, which has left more than a few people unhappy.
When Microsoft revealed its extended security update updates (ESU) program, the company made it clear that costs would be $ 30 for an extra year of support for October 2026 (Normal Support ends in October). Later, Microsoft later joined and offered a free option, which allowed Windows 10 users instead to choose to sync their PC settings to its cloud service -which will of course require a Microsoft account (must be signed in OneDrive where the data is synchronized).
People assumed that if they went the paying route it would be the only requirement to spend $ 30 – but it turns out you also need a Microsoft account to use the ESU in this way, which means a local account on your PC will not suffice.
Microsoft tells us: “All registration options provide extended security updates through 13 October 2026. You will need to log into your Microsoft account to sign up for ESU.”
Elsewhere in the support document, Microsoft notes: “The ESU license is tied to your Microsoft account, so you may be asked to log in if you typically log in to Windows with a local account.”
However, there is some good news here, which is that Microsoft also clarifies that this extended support program can be used on up to 10 devices. So as long as these Windows 10 PCs are all logged into the Microsoft account that has downloaded the ESU offer, they are good to go.
Analysis: Local Loss
No matter how you can access the ESU scheme, the license you get should be tied to a Microsoft account. If you have forgotten these settings, you can pay $ 30, sync your PC settings to OneDrive, as mentioned, or alternatively use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points (if you have them).
The reason for the Microsoft account requirement is undoubtedly, so the software giant can police police on 10 units, but as noted this will cause a certain degree of bad feeling. Given that Microsoft has been pushing against being able to have a local account at all when you create Windows 11 – and especially closing loopholes that are present to fuck your way around and have to tie an installation to a Microsoft account – people will only be suspicious that this is just another way to push them to get a Microsoft account.
If you pay $ 30 for the privilege of an extra year of support should not be handed out that cash is enough? I think so, and Microsoft could always just warn you that if you don’t use a Microsoft account, you will only get support on a single device (the one you sign up for). Then users could decide to continue or not to link to an account based on their preference in that regard.
If you have more Windows 10-Piece, it is undoubtedly good to know that you can cover them all with just a single registration for ESU (even using the free offer).
