If the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) enrollment link is missing, first check whether the PC meets Microsoft’s consumer requirements: it must run an eligible Windows 10 version 22H2 edition, have the latest updates, and use an administrator Microsoft account that is not a child account. Managed or kiosk devices, PCs already licensed for ESU, and regional differences can also affect whether the offer appears. The enrollment flow is in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Check that the PC is eligible for consumer ESU
Microsoft’s consumer ESU offer is for Windows 10 version 22H2 Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Workstations. Verify the edition and version before troubleshooting the missing link: open Settings > System > About and review the Windows edition and version details. If the PC is on another version or edition, Microsoft’s consumer eligibility criteria do not establish that it can enroll through this offer. Microsoft’s consumer ESU page lists the eligible editions and requirements.
Install the required Windows updates
Microsoft requires the latest Windows update for consumer enrollment. Its September 8, 2026 servicing article adds a specific prerequisite: Windows 10 22H2 must have a security update released on or after October 14, 2025, such as KB5066791, followed by the ESU Licensing Preparation Package, KB5126256. The package prepares licensing and enrollment components; it does not enroll the PC or provide ESU security updates by itself. Microsoft states, “Installing this package alone does not provide Extended Security Updates.”
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates. Install available updates and restart if Windows requests it.
- Confirm that the applicable Windows 10 22H2 security update released on or after October 14, 2025 is installed.
- Install KB5126256, the ESU Licensing Preparation Package. Microsoft says it is generally delivered through Windows Update after the required security update; it is also available through the Microsoft Update Catalog. Follow Microsoft’s KB5126256 instructions for package details.
These prerequisites make the device ready for enrollment; Microsoft does not promise that installing one particular update will make the link appear immediately.
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Use an eligible administrator Microsoft account
The account used to enroll must be a Microsoft account with administrator privileges, and it cannot be a child account. Microsoft associates the ESU license with the Microsoft account used for enrollment. If Windows is normally set up with a local account, that alone does not rule out enrollment: Microsoft’s enrollment flow prompts local-account users to sign in with a Microsoft account.
To review account type, open Settings > Accounts > Your info. If the account is not an administrator, use an eligible administrator account for the enrollment flow.
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Check for device management, kiosk mode, or an existing ESU license
- Organization-managed PC: Consumer enrollment is not offered to devices joined to an Active Directory domain or Microsoft Entra and/or enrolled in mobile device management (MDM). Contact the organization’s administrator about its commercial ESU process instead.
- Kiosk device: Kiosk devices are excluded from consumer enrollment.
- Microsoft Entra-registered device: Registration alone is not the same as being joined or managed; Microsoft says Entra-registered devices can use consumer ESU.
- Already licensed for ESU: A PC that already has an ESU license will not be offered consumer enrollment.
Consumer ESU is a separate path from organizational ESU. Microsoft’s consumer program page describes the consumer exclusions and permitted device states.
Account for regional differences
Microsoft says consumer ESU options and their timing can vary by region. Do not assume that the U.S. price or enrollment choices apply where you live. Use the localized Microsoft ESU page and the options displayed on the PC; update delivery is described as consistent across supported areas, but the available enrollment choices may differ.
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Enroll from Windows Update
Once the eligibility, update, and account requirements are met, return to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. If the offer is available, choose the ESU enrollment link and then Enroll now. A local-account user will be prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account.
Microsoft currently lists three consumer enrollment choices. Availability can vary by region, so the choices shown in the enrollment flow are the ones to rely on.
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| Choice | Cost or requirement |
|---|---|
| Sync PC settings | No additional cost; requires syncing PC settings. |
| Redeem Microsoft Rewards points | 1,000 points. |
| One-time purchase | $30 USD or local currency equivalent, plus applicable tax. |
These are the choices listed on Microsoft’s consumer ESU page as accessed October 8, 2026; regional options may differ. For details on your location, use Microsoft’s ESU page.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Verify enrollment status
Check Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update for the enrollment status. If you paid to enroll, Microsoft also says the transaction should appear in Order History. There is no general guaranteed wait time for the link to appear, and Microsoft does not provide a universal command or workaround to force it to show.
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What ESU covers, and how long enrollment remains available
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 PCs continue to function after that date, but without regular security updates unless covered by ESU or another applicable support arrangement. Consumer ESU provides critical and important security updates through Windows Update; it does not include feature improvements, other non-security fixes, design changes, or technical support. See Microsoft’s Windows transition guidance.
As of October 8, 2026, Microsoft says consumer ESU enrollment remains available until October 12, 2027, and that already enrolled coverage automatically continues through that date. Late enrollment is possible, but the PC remains more vulnerable before it is enrolled. One consumer ESU license can be used on up to 10 devices; each additional PC must be enrolled separately through Windows Update. Enrolling one PC covers its additional users, but does not enroll other PCs.
If the PC cannot upgrade to Windows 11 or you need another migration path, Microsoft also offers guidance on exploring Windows 11 PCs; that is a separate decision from fixing ESU enrollment.
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