Of those, the Backup app is probably the most painless; it backs up some saved credentials, some Home windows settings, and a few Home windows apps to your account. It will probably additionally again up folders you specify, in case your account has the area for them (the paltry 5GB you get without spending a dime will not be good for a lot, however it’s there).
I had already used the Home windows Backup app with my Microsoft Account sooner or later previously, so I used to be mechanically 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 affirm that your PC has been enrolled. You may get safety updates for Home windows itself by means of October of 2026, and Microsoft has individually dedicated to offering Microsoft Defender Antivirus definitions updates and safety updates for supported Microsoft Workplace variations by means of at the very least 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 which you could 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. You need to have the ability to clear any earlier backup settings by going to your Microsoft account settings in an internet browser, navigating to the Gadgets tab, scrolling to the underside, and clicking “Clear saved settings.” Any information synced by way of OneDrive will be managed by way of its net interface.
To signal out of a Microsoft account altogether, navigate to Settings, Accounts, and the Your Information tab. There, you need to both have the ability to click on a hyperlink labeled “sign up with a neighborhood account as an alternative” or “cease signing in to all Microsoft apps mechanically,” relying on the way you signed in within the first place. After swapping again to a neighborhood account, it’s also possible to navigate to Settings, Accounts, and the E-mail & Accounts tab and take away any Microsoft accounts you see right here in the event you 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 may nonetheless see the “your PC is enrolled to get Prolonged Safety Updates” standing message on the Home windows Replace web page. We would favor 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.
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