With Windows 10 approaching its end of life on October 14, a way has emerged for users to still receive crucial security updates without any fees, albeit with some restrictions. Microsoft previously indicated that maintaining security support would require a payment of $30 for an additional year, but recently announced an alternative that allows users to stay secure for free.

To qualify for free updates, users need to connect their systems to the cloud and utilize Windows Backup to synchronize their settings with OneDrive. However, this comes with a limitation of only 5GB of storage in OneDrive, which may not be sufficient for many users’ needs.

In another option, individuals can use Microsoft Rewards points—specifically, 1000 points—which can be earned through Bing searches, shopping in the Microsoft Store, or using Microsoft Edge. It’s important to note that while this arrangement offers a temporary solution for keeping Windows 10 secure, regular feature updates will cease, and complete support will officially conclude in October 2026.

As many are facing hardware limitations for upgrading to Windows 11, this option appears to provide a much-needed reprieve. Microsoft will continue to update its Defender Antivirus on Windows 10 until October 2028, at least providing some protection against various cyber threats. Nevertheless, for optimal security and performance, transitioning to Windows 11 is advised as it remains free for compatible devices.