Windows 10 Consumer ESU Program Licenses Will Support 10 PCs

Microsoft is being a bit more generous than expected with the consumer version of its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10. In a support document spotted by Windows Central, the company revealed that consumer ESU licenses will be tied to personal Microsoft accounts, but consumers will be able to use the same license on up to 10 devices.

“You can use your ESU license on up to 10 devices once you enroll in ESU,” the company explained in an FAQ. “Any additional Windows 10 PC you wish to enroll in ESU must meet the eligibility requirements.”

To enroll in the consumer ESU program for Windows 10, consumers won’t necessarily need to pay the $30 Microsoft initially announced: The company now offers two free alternatives by syncing PC settings with the Windows Backup app or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Reward points. However, people who own multiple Windows 10 PCs won’t need to enroll in the ESU program multiple times.

After enrolling a Windows 10 PC in ESU using their Microsoft account, consumers will be able to enroll a different PC by going to Settings > Update & Security >Windows Update. Here, they will need to select “Enroll now,” then follow the prompts to add the device to the ESU.

The consumer version of Microsoft’s ESU program for Windows 10 will provide extended security updates for the OS through October 13, 2026. To enroll in the program, devices need to have the latest update for Windows 10, version 22H2, and the Microsoft account used to sign in to the device also needs to be an administrator account.

Lastly, the consumer ESU program can’t be used by commercial devices. Organizations will need to pay $61 per device for one year of updates, and enrollment can be renewed for up to three years, with the cost increasing each year.