"A quick PSA for those not ready for Linux and not wanting to switch to Windows 11, I recently found out that you can use Microsoft rewards points for purchase 12 months of Windows ESU for 1,000 points, it might even be free, it was for me.

To do this, log into your Microsoft account, then on your PC go to Settings > Updates & Security then, In the top right, where it says "Enroll in Windows Security Updates to keep your device secure", click on "Enroll Now". Once enrolled, you can log out of your account, you do not have to remain logged in to be "enrolled".

Curiously, I was not charged any money or any points. I only have one Microsoft account, so I'm guessing I'm only going to get one freebie, and not be able to use points to get the ESU updates for my other systems from that account, I will however try tomorrow and update if I have any joy on my other systems.

If you do not have any points and it gives you the option to pay for ESU with points (it might not be visible if you do not have 1,000 points), just create a Microsoft account and do 10 searches on Bing a day for 20 days, logged in, and you will have 1,000 points*. So there is time to create a Microsoft account for each of your systems and earn enough points for 1 free year for each system. SUpport ends in 31 days.

*5 points per search, max points that can be earned from searching is 50 points a day (unless you have a level 2 account, or xbox live).

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5537360/how-to-use-my-rewards-points-for-esu

Hope this helps anyone who happens to be as stubborn as me."