Of those, the Backup app is essentially the most painless; it backs up some saved credentials, some Home windows settings, and a few Home windows apps to your account. It may well additionally again up folders you specify, in case your account has the house for them (the paltry 5GB you get at no cost will not be good for a lot, nevertheless it’s there).
I had already used the Home windows Backup app with my Microsoft Account in some unspecified time in the future prior to now, so I used to be routinely provided free enrollment into the ESU program. Whichever possibility you select, click on the Enroll button, and your PC will likely be signed up for the additional 12 months of updates.
A standing message within the Home windows Replace app will verify that your PC has been enrolled. You will get safety updates for Home windows itself via October of 2026, and Microsoft has individually dedicated to offering Microsoft Defender Antivirus definitions updates and safety updates for supported Microsoft Workplace variations via a minimum of 2028.
What if I Don’t Need To Retailer Something With Microsoft?
We all know that a few of you need completely nothing to do with a Microsoft account, regardless of the corporate’s push to require one as a precondition of utilizing any model of Home windows 11. If this describes you, the excellent news is that you would be able to enroll within the ESU program while not having to remain enrolled in Home windows Backup or with out staying signed in to a Microsoft account in any respect.
To cease utilizing Home windows backup, navigate to Settings, Accounts, and click on Home windows backup, and switch off all of the toggles to cease future backups from taking place. It is best to be capable to clear any earlier backup settings by going to your Microsoft account settings in an online browser, navigating to the Units tab, scrolling to the underside, and clicking “Clear saved settings.” Any recordsdata synced through OneDrive will be managed through its internet interface.
To signal out of a Microsoft account altogether, navigate to Settings, Accounts, and the Your Data tab. There, it is best to both be capable to click on a hyperlink labeled “check in with an area account as an alternative” or “cease signing in to all Microsoft apps routinely,” relying on the way you signed in within the first place. After swapping again to an area account, you can even navigate to Settings, Accounts, and the Electronic mail & Accounts tab and take away any Microsoft accounts you see right here for those who do not need to use them for Edge or different Home windows apps in your PC.
Even after eradicating all vestiges of all Microsoft accounts out of your PC, you will nonetheless see the “your PC is enrolled to get Prolonged Safety Updates” standing message on the Home windows Replace web page. We might desire to have the ability to get the updates with out the rigmarole, however for individuals who cannot or do not need to set up Home windows 11, the additional 12 months of safety patches is price 10 or quarter-hour of irritation.
This story initially appeared on Ars Technica.
