Are you still using Windows 10? Here’s how to get another year update for free

Of these, the backup app is the least painful. Back up saved credentials, some Windows settings, and some Windows apps to your account. You can also back up the folder you specify if your account has space (there is a small 5GB available for free, but it’s there).

I was already using the Windows Backup app using my Microsoft account at some point in the past, so I automatically provided a free registration for the ESU program. No matter which option you choose, click the (Register) button and your PC will sign up for an additional year’s update.

The Windows Update app status message confirms that your PC is registered. Up until October 2026, when you get security updates for Windows itself, Microsoft is independently committed to providing Microsoft Defender definition updates and security updates for Microsoft Office versions supported in at least 2028.

What if Microsoft doesn’t want to store anything?

I know that despite the company asking for what it requires as a prerequisite to using the Windows 11 version, it has nothing to do with your Microsoft account. If this explains, it means that you don’t have to register with the ESU program without registering for a Windows backup or without signing a Microsoft account.

To stop using Windows Backup, go to Settings, Accounts, click (Windows Backup), and turn off all toggles to prevent future backups from occurring. You should be able to clear your previous backup settings by going to Microsoft Account Settings in your web browser. Go to the (Device) tabscroll to the bottom and click “Clear Save Settings.” All files synced via OneDrive can be managed Through the web interface.

To sign out of your Microsoft account completely, go to the Settings, Accounts, and Info tabs. There, depending on how you initially signed in, you should be able to click on the link labeled “Sign in with a local account instead” or “Automatically stop signing in to all Microsoft apps.” After reverting to your local account, you can also go to the (Settings), Accounts, Email & Accounts tab and delete the Microsoft account that appears here if you don’t want to use it for your PC’s Edge or other Windows apps.

Even after removing all traces of all Microsoft accounts from your PC, you will still receive a status message on the Windows Update page saying “PC is registered to get enhanced security updates.” Although I prefer to get updates without rigmal roll, for those who can’t or don’t want to install Windows 11, the extra year of security patches is worth 10 or 15 minutes of stimulation.

This story originally appeared Ars Technica.