If you’re still using Windows 10 then an irritating deadline is fast approaching. Microsoft will end its official support for the operating system on October 14, 2025, a decade after its launch. But according to the latest stats, the majority of Windows users globally are on Windows 10, and Microsoft is showing signs it might be worried about that.

The firm has tried for many months to convince Windows 10 folks to upgrade to Windows 11. This can be done for free by downloading the new OS to your PC, but if your machine does not meet the minimum system requirements, you run the risk of rendering it unusable.

Unfortunately, the only other option Microsoft presents is buying a brand new PC that comes with Windows 11. Understandably, many Windows 10 users aren’t thrilled by this prospect. Windows 10 functions perfectly fine in 2025, and Microsoft ending support is seen by some as a cynical move to push people towards Windows 11, an operating system that has struggled to attract mass adoption since its release in 2021.

Now, Microsoft has published a blog post that could throw loyal Windows 10 users a lifeline. The firm has said it will offer one year of Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESUs) in exchange for 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points with no additional costs involved.

Microsoft previously said it will offer Windows 10 users these ESUs for a year at a cost of $30 USD.

Microsoft Rewards is a scheme where Microsoft service users can accrue points by playing Xbox games, buying apps and products from the Microsoft Store or even just searching using Microsoft Bing. If you are signed into your Microsoft account, you can see how many points you have on the official Rewards page.

I looked at mine and have a paltry 61 points that I’m not even sure how I earned. Guess I’ll need to do a fair few Bing searches if I want to redeem a free year of Windows 10 updates.

These updates will provide regular security and software patches to Windows 10 that you’ll otherwise not get after October.

“Once you select an option and follow the on-screen steps, your PC will automatically be enrolled,” Microsoft said in a blog post on June 24. “ESU coverage for personal devices runs from Oct. 15, 2025, through Oct. 13, 2026. Starting today, the enrollment wizard is available in the Windows Insider Program and will begin rolling out as an option to Windows 10 customers in July, with broad availability expected by mid-August.”