Microsoft Confirms Windows 10 Extended Updates Remain Active for Unsupported Windows 11 Devices

Microsoft has clarified that you do not need to meet the Windows 11 hardware requirements to qualify for Windows 10’s Extended Security Updates (ESU).This means that all PCs can access these updates, provided they have a genuine or pre-activated Windows 10 license. Therefore, even if your device does not support Windows 11, you still have the option to receive essential security updates.

Recent tests conducted by Windows Latest reveal that the ESU enrollment tool is functional even on unsupported PCs, a fact that has now been officially documented. According to Microsoft’s official documentation, devices that do not meet Windows 11’s eligibility criteria can still benefit from the Extended Security Updates.

After utilizing a year’s worth of Windows 10’s extended updates, users have a couple of choices: either purchase a new PC or apply one of the “hacks” to upgrade to Windows 11, pending any future restrictions from Microsoft on this bypass method.

Consumers have three primary methods to gain access to Windows 10 ESU: linking their PCs to their Microsoft accounts and syncing local settings to the cloud, using Microsoft Rewards points to cover a one-year extension, or paying a fee of $30 upfront. However, businesses do not have the first two options available; they must subscribe to Windows 10 ESU and activate their operating systems using a unique ESU key.

To get started, ensure that your system runs Windows 10 version 22H2 with the KB5046613 cumulative update installed.

How to Verify Installation of Windows 10 ESU

Verifying your Windows license status and the installation of your ESU key can be done in a few simple steps:

Open an elevated PowerShell or Command Prompt and input the following command: slmgr.vbs /dlv

If your License Status indicates “Licensed, ”this means your Windows 10 installation is properly activated. Next, locate the Activation ID corresponding to your ESU year:

Year-1: f520e45e-7413-4a34-a497-d2765967d094
Year-2: 1043add5-23b1-4afb-9a0f-64343c8f3f8d
Year-3: 83d49986-add3-41d7-ba33-87c7bfb5c0fb

Then, run the command with your Activation ID:

slmgr.vbs /dlv <Activation-ID>

When the license status for the ESU displays as “Licensed, ”it confirms that your ESU key is successfully installed and activated. Importantly, this verification is not restricted by Windows 11’s hardware requirements, and it can be performed on consumer PCs with an applied ESU.

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