NLC Technology News: Is Microsoft extending the EOL (End Of Life) Oct 2025 date for Windows 10?

Last Tuesday, did Microsoft actually announce they were extending the EOL (End Of Life) date for Windows 10 that some news outlets have reported? Sort of. What Microsoft announced was a couple of new options for individuals to be part of the Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 program that will run until Oct 2026.

For individuals: An enrollment wizard will be available through notifications and in Settings, making it easy to enroll in ESU directly from your personal Windows 10 PC. Through the enrollment wizard, you’ll be able to choose from three options:
– Use Windows Backup to sync your settings to the cloud—at no additional cost.
– Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points—at no additional cost.
– Pay $30 USD (local pricing may vary).

The new options are to subscribe to Windows Backup or use Microsoft Rewards points. Unfortunately, none of these options will fully work for libraries. All three options require the PC to be logged into a Microsoft account to work. This is problematic for the patron/public PCs. Users of the patron/public PC would have full access to the Microsoft account being used. Having Windows Backup enabled means any changes made to Windows settings or files created on the PC will be retained. This defeats the purpose of reboot/restore software (DeepFreeze, SmartShield, CleanSlate, etc.) that cleans and secures the patron/public PC when it is rebooted.

For staff and personal Windows 10 PCs, enabling Windows Backup is a workable solution to get another year of secured use from a Windows 10 PC. I use this feature on my personal PCs since it’s a free and easy method for automatically backing them up.

If you have any questions about this or other technology, please contact me.

Andrew “Sherm” Sherman
Library Technology Support Specialist
Nebraska Library Commission
402-471-4559