Microsoft is on the verge of phasing out support for Windows 10, with security updates officially ending this October. However, there’s a silver lining for users eager to stick with the beloved OS a bit longer: a free one-year extended security update option is on the table—but you'll need to prepare!

Currently, Windows 10 is still the reigning champion of operating systems, boasting over 53% market share as of May 2025. With millions of users potentially left vulnerable without support in just a few months, this free workaround could be a lifesaver—if you’re willing to leverage cloud technology.

The catch? You’ll need to utilize Microsoft’s OneDrive for cloud backup. The good news is that all Microsoft account holders get a complimentary 5GB of storage. But beware: many backups might exceed that limit, nudging you toward a paid plan. For $2 a month, you can snag 100GB, which, while cheaper than the $30 fee for extended updates, could still be a hassle for some users.

Remember, Windows 10 made its grand debut in July 2015, and with its sunset looming, it’s a critical time for users.

How to Score Your Free Windows 10 Security Updates