Microsoft Alerts Users: Windows 10 ESU Will Expire Without Microsoft Account Activation

Important Update on Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU)

Microsoft has issued a critical reminder regarding the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU).Users must log into their Microsoft account at least once every 60 days to continue receiving these updates for free. This insight was officially shared by Microsoft in a recent statement to Windows Latest.

Support Timeline and Activation Process

The support for Windows 10 is set to conclude on October 14, 2025. However, users can activate the ESU feature ahead of time via Windows Update. The ESU is compatible with all PCs running the latest cumulative updates, except for users in the EU, where the rollout will commence in the first week of October.

The activation process for ESU is straightforward, as illustrated in the above GIF. Users need to initiate the wizard while already logged into their Microsoft account. In the United States, this is as simple as creating a Microsoft account and syncing your settings to OneDrive. Meanwhile, EU users only require linking their Microsoft account, eliminating the need for OneDrive synchronization.

The Necessity of a Microsoft Account

Essentially, having a Microsoft account is the primary “free” avenue to access Windows 10 Extended Security Updates. However, questions arise regarding the implications of logging out of your Microsoft account after activation. If a user sets up a local account with administrative rights, can they bypass the need for the Microsoft account?

This strategy may not be viable. Microsoft highlighted in their communication that failing to adhere to the login requirements means ESU will expire. Users must sign in to their Microsoft account once every 60 days to maintain access to extended updates.

Monitoring Compliance with ESU Requirements

For those who opt out of using a Microsoft account entirely, the Extended Security Updates will lapse, necessitating a complete re-enrollment process to regain access. Microsoft has stated that they conduct periodic checks to ensure users are compliant with the ESU requirements.

“If your MSA is not used to sign in for a period of up to 60 days, ESU updates will be discontinued, and you’ll need to re-enroll by signing in using the same MSA, ” Microsoft informed Windows Latest.

The exact implications of ceasing to sync settings with OneDrive, while maintaining a signed-in Microsoft account, remain uncertain. Additionally, it is unclear whether the 60-day requirement might be adjusted in the future—either relaxed or made more stringent.

Conclusion: A Modern Necessity?

Only time will reveal the future of these requirements. However, they may not pose significant challenges. Many of us regularly engage with accounts from services like Samsung, Apple, and Google on our mobile devices. Is it overly burdensome to use a Microsoft account every 60 days to ensure ESU functionality? Perhaps not, but we invite you to share your thoughts on this matter.

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