Technology

How to enroll for Windows 10 ESU — Get a year of free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates

Source

Tom's Hardware

Published

Nov 4, 2025

TL;DR

AI Generated

Microsoft offers Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) for users not ready to switch to Windows 11, providing an additional year of security updates. To qualify, Windows 10 PCs must run specific versions and have the latest updates installed. ESU can be obtained for $30, 1000 Microsoft Rewards points, or for free with Windows Backup. European Economic Area residents can enroll for free due to consumer defense challenges. Enrollment is straightforward through Windows Update settings, ensuring updates until October 2026. Failure to back up settings may lead to losing free updates.

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Linux exploit instantly grants administrator access on most distributions since 2017 — cryptography optimization snafu grants root privileges to local users

A recent Linux exploit, CVE-2026-31431, allows local unprivileged users to gain root access instantly on most Linux distributions since 2017. The exploit affects popular distros like Ubuntu, RHEL, Suse, and Amazon Linux, as well as Windows' WSL2. The vulnerability, discovered by Xint Code researchers, involves a cryptography optimization flaw that grants administrator privileges through a devious attack on the AF_ALG socket. While a patch has been released, some distributions may still be vulnerable, requiring mitigation methods like disabling AF_ALG sockets. The exploit occurs in memory without leaving detectable traces on disk, making it challenging to detect with security software.

Tom's Hardware•

6 hours ago

Windows 11 KB5083631 out with Xbox mode, faster performance (direct download links .msu)

Windows 11 KB5083631 introduces Xbox mode for regular PCs, a more reliable File Explorer, faster startup apps, and more. This optional update can be downloaded via Windows Update or through direct download links provided by Microsoft. The update includes early features from Microsoft's Windows K2 project aimed at enhancing Windows 11. Xbox mode brings a console-like gaming experience to Windows 11, optimized for controllers. Additionally, File Explorer improvements ensure consistent folder views across applications.

Windows Latest•

16 hours ago

The most severe Linux threat to surface in years catches the world flat-footed

A critical Linux vulnerability, named CopyFail (CVE-2026-31431), has been disclosed by security researchers, allowing unprivileged users to gain root access across various Linux distributions. The exploit code, released by Theori, works universally without modification, posing a significant threat to data centers and personal devices. While the Linux kernel security team patched the vulnerability in several versions, many distributions had not yet implemented the fixes at the time of the exploit's release. This flaw enables attackers to execute malicious activities like hacking multi-tenant systems and creating backdoors, emphasizing the severity of the issue.

Ars Technica•

20 hours ago

Crucial Taiwan undersea cable severed by old shipwreck — backup microwave communications activated to keep population connected

A shipwreck off Dongyin island in Taiwan has severed the undersea cable connecting it to Beigan Island, prompting the activation of backup microwave communications to maintain connectivity for the 1,500 residents. The Matsu Islands' strategic location near mainland China and the Taiwan Strait makes them crucial for Taiwan's military presence. While this incident was due to natural causes, it underscores Taiwan's vulnerability in its global connections. Recent suspicions of deliberate undersea cable damage by Chinese ships have led Taiwan to increase defensive measures and penalties for sabotage attempts. Despite wireless backups, physical undersea cables remain essential for reliable and high-bandwidth internet connections.