Looking for new laptop

[JLS]

Another update: I was reading a few of the comments from the youtube video link I provided in my previous post. One comment said that to make sure that the Microsoft Sign-In assistant service is running. Mine wasn't runing, but I now see the "enroll now"ESU button after enabling it. When I clicked it, it said the following: "as you've already backed up your windows settings, you're eligible to enroll in Extended Security Updates at no extra cost." I wasnt' aware that windows was backing up my settings. How can I check to see what all Microsoft backed up on my device? Was it just window settings and nothing personal on my device?

[JLS]

When I booted up my laptop, I was not logged into my Microsoft account. After entering my Microsoft account e-mail address, I receive the following message below. I entered my password that is associated with my account and it tells me the password entered it not correct. I entered it correctly. Why does it keep telling me that it is not the correct password?

"Sign into this computer using your Microsoft account
Next time you sign into this computer, use your Microsoft account password or Windows Hello, if you've set it up.
We'll need your current Windows password one last time."

[Steve R Jones]

Don't know what to tell you. Either you or Microsoft is wrong about the password.... Did you maybe "shift" and type a Capital Letter when entering the password?

I use Chrome and always let it remember my passwords. They say this isn't secure.... But it sure comes in handy in that I can lookup passwords.

[JLS]

I never had to log into any Microsoft account when logging into windows, so I never had any account associated with my windows 10. I went into settings/accounts/email & accounts and added my Microsoft hotmail account. After logging into windows, it is more secure to log out of my Microsoft account than just staying logged into the account?

[jdc2000]

It is likely more secure to use a Local user account. However, with a Microsoft account added, Microsoft can log in to your computer at any time, for any purpose.

[JLS]

Wow. I didn't see an option to pay the $30 for the ESU updates. That is the route I want to take. How can I pay the $30 instead?

[jdc2000]

Possibly useful links:

https://www.zdnet.com/article/cant-q...-october-2025/

https://www.zdnet.com/article/dont-w...u-should-know/

Note that the $30 option may still require a Microsoft account. However, you should be able to remove it afterwards.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows10/c...y_updates_esu/

[JLS]

Update on Microsoft free windows 10 updates for 1 year starting October 2025....Today after checking to see if windows 10 updated on my laptop, it says "error encountered - We could not complete the install because an update service was shutting down." I thought it was suppose to run through October 2026? I didn't purchase a new laptop yet, since I assumed I had until October. Why did they change the date? I guess I can't use my laptop now?

[JLS]

I just noticed that my windows 10 update status in settings shows that it is up to date. There must have been some glitch.

I suppose I won't be able to use this laptop as a second laptop after October 2026?

[Steve R Jones]

Your laptop will continue to run till the cows come home.... It just won't be protected or as secure as a Windows 11 machine.

It's just like all previous version of windows that died of old age. AND, in theory, other apps will slowly stop working etc due to the age of Win 10.

[JLS]

Hi Steve R Jones. Thanks for the reply. I am sorry it took me this long to reply, but I have some family issues that I had to deal with. I am going to purchase another Dell laptop, but have to decide which model and hardware components is best. I would still like to use my current laptop, a second device. Wouldn't I be putting myself at high risk, if I continue using my laptop after Microsoft discontinues windows 10 updates?