Microsoft reveals a surprising catch to extended support for Windows 10 that’s going to seriously annoy some people

• A Microsoft support document reveals a new twist on Windows 10’s extended update scheme
• Even if you pay $30 for the program, you’ll need to have a Microsoft account
• The good news is that up to 10 devices are supported with one license

It was unexpectedly revealed late that even if you pay for the updates (and choose not to use the free offer), Windows 10’s extended update plan will require you to have a Microsoft account.

This information was found in a Microsoft support document by Windows Central, which has angered many people.

Microsoft made it clear that the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will cost $30 for each additional year of support, through October 2026 (regular support ends this October), when it first announced it. Microsoft eventually gave up and provided a free alternative, enabling Windows 10 users to select to sync their PC settings to its cloud service. Naturally, this will require a Microsoft account in order to be logged into OneDrive, where the data is synced.

People thought that if they choose to pay, they would just need to spend $30, but it turns out that in order to use the ESU in this way, you also need a Microsoft account, so a local account on your computer is insufficient.

According to Microsoft, extended security updates are available through October 13, 2026, for all enrollment options. To enroll at ESU, you will need to log into your Microsoft account.

“The ESU license is tied to your Microsoft account, so you may be prompted to sign in if you typically sign into Windows with a local account,” Microsoft states elsewhere in the support document.

However, there is some good news: Microsoft makes it clear that up to 10 devices can be used with this extended support scheme. Those Windows 10 PCs are therefore ready to use as long as they are all logged into the Microsoft account that has accepted the ESU offer.

Analysis: Local loss

The license you receive must be linked to a Microsoft account, regardless of how you access the ESU program. If you can’t remember those alternatives, you can use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points (if you have any), pay $30, or sync your PC settings to OneDrive as previously suggested.

The Microsoft account need is undoubtedly in place to allow the software giant to monitor the 10-device limit, but as previously mentioned, this will undoubtedly create some negative sentiment. People will only be suspicious that this is just another attempt to force them to get a Microsoft account, since Microsoft has been pushing against having a local account at all when setting up Windows 11—and notably closing loopholes that exist to fudge your way around having to tie an installation to a Microsoft account.

Shouldn’t spending $30 be sufficient to grant you access to an additional year of support? I believe so, and Microsoft could simply inform you that you will only receive help for the device you are using to sign up if you do not have a Microsoft account. Depending on their preferences, individuals could then choose whether or not to link to an account.

It’s definitely helpful to know that you can sign up for the ESU once and protect all of your Windows 10 PCs, even if you use the free offer.