<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="true"><li>Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and had originally announced a paid option for extended security updates.</li><li>Users can now get an additional 12 months of free security updates through the Extended Security Updates program by syncing Windows settings to OneDrive, but this option has limitations due to the 5 GB storage restriction.</li><li>Another free option is to use 1000 Microsoft Rewards points, which can be earned through activities like using Bing search, browsing with Microsoft Edge, playing Xbox, and shopping at the Microsoft store.</li><li>Third-party security support from 0patch can extend Windows 10's lifespan by at least five years with micropatches that do not require reboots, offering an alternative to Microsoft's updates. However, upgrading to Windows 11 is recommended as it is free and provides ongoing support.</li></ul>

Windows 10 diehards who want security updates for free get a stay of execution, but there's a convoluted catch

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