How to fix ESU error "We can’t enroll you in Extended Security Updates right now" when trying to enroll?

Eri 65

I'm trying to enroll to ESU (Extended Security Updates) as the updates are ending and I cant yet update to Windows 11 because its not available even though my PC meets the requirements. The process is very straight-forward, I click "enroll now" on the windows updates page and go through the process until the last page where I get told I'm eligible (first image attached), I click "Enroll" and after I do I get redirected to a page with the title "Something went wrong" and alongside that "We can’t enroll you in Extended Security Updates right now" (second image attached). This happens regardless of when or how many times I try. I've tried going through live support, but after a 30 minute wait, all I got told was to post on the forums. So here I am, with windows 10 updates ending and not being able to update to windows 11, it feels a bit more urgent. Any help appreciated. Capture2

Capture1

Raymond Caswell 155 Reputation points

2025-10-13T17:35:48.19+00:00

Eri, try what I did at the bottom of this thread. Maybe it will help you also.
Donna Hibbert 0 Reputation points

2025-10-14T01:52:41.9033333+00:00

I get the same screen "something went wrong" We can't enroll you in Extended Security Updates right now.

The link to enroll comes and goes. Registry editor in search, then change the value of ESU Eligibility to 2 and the value of ESU EligibilityResult to 1. Only after doing that and restarting the computer do I even get the link in Windows Update. It defaults to different values so I have to change it over and over just to get the message that I cannot enroll now. I've tried all the suggestions, "find my device" turned on, credential manager and Microsoft account sign-in manager switched to automatic. My microsoft account is admin and all updates are current. This is so frustrating and the clock is ticking. I also disabled Webroot hoping that would help. But every single time I get "something went wrong".
Vlan6134-7019 0 Reputation points

2025-10-15T15:28:36.9166667+00:00

I had the same problem as the OP (exactly the same screenshots) but I used a different solution to that of the other suggestions.

My FIREWALL was to blame. I have TinyWall firewall and I changed Mode from Normal to Allow Outgoing. Then I tried Enroling again and it worked! Very pleased as this has caused a lot of stress overall!

Hope this information helps others and thanks to all the comments on here!
Benjamin Cheong 15 Reputation points

2025-10-16T00:21:46.5533333+00:00

I use window firewall. I switch it off, still cannot enroll. I gave up. Should not be that hard. Sigh ...
Victor Alvarado 0 Reputation points

2025-10-16T16:14:55.69+00:00

I try everything specified here, and I'm still receiving the same error. I would have to stop using this computer altogether.
Anonymous

2025-10-17T10:56:57.4966667+00:00

I have tried the exact same suggestions as mentioned by @Donna Hibbert and also have the same problems. Also tried with firewall and virusscanner disabled. I have a laptop and a desktop. I meet the requirements to receive the free updates in Europe for both devices. My laptop is now signed up for the ESU, but somehow my desktop will still get the 'Something went wrong' message. I use the same Microsoft account on both PC's and don't see any difference in settings that could cause the problem. It's been 3 days now since supported ended and many people still face this problem..... Is there anyone that had contact with Microsoft that will give us some hope to fix this problem?
Deleted

This comment has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The comment was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.
Pati 0 Reputation points

2025-10-18T23:02:24.1+00:00

I did most of the things mentioned here but it worked to enroll the extended updates when I went to Task Manager and disabled in Startup: Tuneup and also Driver updater from an antivirus company. These otherwise useful software were listed "high" as for start-up impact.
Jenn H 10 Reputation points

2025-10-19T00:59:50.09+00:00

For my laptop, to be able to enroll in the Extended Security Updates, first I had to remove my "Work or School Account" from Settings -> Accounts -> Access Work or School. I clicked on the Work account that was there, clicked "Disconnect", and restarted the computer. After the restart, I was able to go to Settings -> Update and Security and enroll using the link that directed me to the Microsoft Website explainer on "End of Support for Windows 10". Scroll down the page to the "Extended Security Updates" link and follow the steps.

Phew. It took several hours of trying everything else and not getting anywhere, then finally the above worked. I guess Windows thinks my computer is ineligible if I have a Work or School Account associated with my machine.

Apparently disconnecting the Work/School account does not delete the account itself, it just removes the sign-in information. Therefore, it should be possible to add it back again. I will be able to find that out once the weekend is over and my work's IT department is open. Fingers crossed.
SpookyNooNoo 5 Reputation points

2025-10-19T15:52:36.1433333+00:00

Thank you, Jenn H!!! Been trying for days and eventually realised after reading your comment that I still had my old college account registered on my laptop. "PHEW!!" indeed!!
Donna Hibbert 0 Reputation points

2025-10-19T18:17:39.7+00:00

Hooray!!! This worked after trying every other possible fix that was suggested. I retired from my job over a year ago and no longer have access to that account but it was still listed under Settings>Accounts>Access Work or School. I had to try twice to "disconnect" before it disappeared from the list. Then I restarted the computer, find the enroll link in the explainer for "End of Support for Windows 10". Finally instead of saying "Something went wrong" it said "you are now enrolled with no further questions or payment of $30. What a relief!!
khaja mohideen 0 Reputation points

2025-12-15T05:22:54.2633333+00:00

I get the same screen "something went wrong" We can't enroll you in Extended Security Updates right now.

The link to enroll comes and goes. Registry editor in search, then change the value of ESU Eligibility to 2 and the value of ESU EligibilityResult to 1. Only after doing that and restarting the computer do I even get the link in Windows Update. It defaults to different values so I have to change it over and over just to get the message that I cannot enroll now. I've tried all the suggestions, "find my device" turned on, credential manager and Microsoft account sign-in manager switched to automatic. My microsoft account is admin and all updates are current. This is so frustrating and the clock is ticking. I also disabled Webroot hoping that would help. But every single time I get "something went wrong".

15 answers

John DeV 170.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-10-08T02:22:09.8233333+00:00

Hi, good day!

Are you logged into Windows using a local or Microsoft Account?

Please try the following methods below.

If your computer can connect to Wi-Fi, please try connecting to a different network such as your phone's mobile hotspot then try again.

Make sure Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant and Credential Manager services are available and running.

Press Start then search Services

Find Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant in the list then double click it

Select Automatic (Delayed Start) on the Startup Type and click on Start

Click Apply and OK.

Do the same with Credential Manager service

I look forward to receiving your update and I'm willing to collaborate with you till we resolve the issue. Do keep me informed by clicking "Add comment" below.
Was this answer helpful?

5 people found this answer helpful.
Eri 65 Reputation points

2025-10-09T19:36:12.6733333+00:00

Hey John,

I did what you suggested, the processes were already running but I set them to automatic (delayed start) and connected to a mobile hotspot. But when I tried to enroll again this time it wouldn't even load the "enrollment options" (the page in the first image in the original post). This time I got the error in the image attached below in this comment. I haven't tried to enroll since the original post so I don't know if what I tried caused the new error or it would happen either way.

Jonathan Harris 5 Reputation points

2025-10-11T16:22:10.6333333+00:00

There is no excuse for this happening. Microsoft should fix this very quickly.

Nick C 0 Reputation points

2025-10-15T13:25:14.3466667+00:00

All of the above does nothing. I've changed the registry keys for ESU Eligibility (which always revert back), changed the Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant and Credential Manager to Auto (delayed start up) and I still get something went wrong screen.

BE BETTER MICROSOFT!

Philip Crozet 0 Reputation points

2025-10-18T17:55:29.0066667+00:00

I've spent my entire Saturday tinkering around with my PC ... mostly backing up files and satisfying the requirments for the extension. The latter was a marathon in itself - I had to, among doing other things, switch to 22H2, install a Windows Assistant and update to KB5046613. Finally I got the enable ESU to appear! What a relief! Then after clicking 'enable', I got that message 'something went wrong'.

That brought me here and I saw your message John. I tried it thinking there's no way is there! But I was wrong! IT WORKED! John I'm so grateful! THANKS SO MUCH! I CAN FINALLY RELAX!

Jan Buhmann 0 Reputation points

2025-10-23T21:56:00.36+00:00

I am also getting the ESU error, and still getting it after trying your fix, John DeV. Any other ideas?

Alex Mwangi 0 Reputation points

2025-10-27T15:44:31.96+00:00

Thank you for this guide. It worked to resolve the issue for me.

Kris Klimek 0 Reputation points

2026-02-03T06:54:23.1466667+00:00

I looked for MS sign-in assistant running undre services and it's not there. Same with credential manager. How do I get those running. This is a fresh reinstall and I have had trouble activating windows so likely to do with that? I will try to get a licence from the company that sold me this PC as included with another hardware purchase.
Sign in to comment

Use comments to ask for clarification, additional information, or improvements to the question.
Kapil Arya 38,511 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2025-10-08T09:44:06.7466667+00:00

Make sure your system meets primary requirements mentioned here:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/extended-security-updates
Was this answer helpful?
Deleted

This comment has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The comment was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.

aReply4u0084 885 Reputation points

2025-10-08T17:29:32.9866667+00:00

There is no available data online, about the percentage of successful "Artificial fixes or unofficial workarounds" To trigger Windows 10 ESU - as Microsoft's ESU program is a paid service with official enrollment methods -- by purchase updates or redeeming Microsoft Rewards points. Microsoft Q&A may contain discussions of issues and potential workarounds. But these aren't officially endorsed or monitored for success rates by Microsoft for ESU triggering, according to relevant search results.

Eri 65 Reputation points

2025-10-09T19:37:37.37+00:00

Yes, it also said I'm eligible in the image I attached.

Benjamin Cheong 15 Reputation points

2025-10-12T03:36:47.9133333+00:00

It would not allow me to enroll. I have logged in and follow everything. Whyeverything has to be so difficult????
Sign in to comment

Use comments to ask for clarification, additional information, or improvements to the question.
John DeV 170.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-10-09T19:44:36.1066667+00:00
Please try performing an In-place Upgrade. Performing this can repair broken operating system files while your personal files, settings and installed applications will not be removed.

Few things to check on the PC
- Unplug all external peripherals except for the Mouse, Keyboard, and LAN cable before starting
- Disable or uninstall any third-party Antivirus program to prevent it from interfering with the upgrade
Download the media creation tool(Click Download tool now) and save it to your computer.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Open the tool and select Upgrade this PC now.

Make sure to select Keep personal files and apps.

It might take some time to install Windows 10. Your computer will restart a few times, make sure you don’t turn off your PC.
Was this answer helpful?
Benjamin Cheong 15 Reputation points

2025-10-14T02:49:24.1366667+00:00

This made it even worse. After spending hours reupdating, the ESU registry is gone.

I cannot even get through this step.

C:\WINDOWS\system32>reg.exe query "HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows\ConsumerESU"

ERROR: The system was unable to find the specified registry key or value.

We are just mortals and do not want to waste a perfectly good computer. What wrong is that? igh ......

MadWolf 0 Reputation points

2025-10-14T18:49:34.0433333+00:00

I've been struggling with this for some days now, and tried all kinds of things as mentioned above (logged in with Microsoft account as admin, tried different networks etc). I think the problem for me was that I was using a Windows 10 Education edition. I upgraded to Windows 10 Pro, checked again for the latest updates, and followed the instructions in this Youtube video to make the extended security update ESU option appear in Windows Update.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vum5XOJAJZM

In short, go to Registry Editor as Admin and find this location

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows\ConsumerESU

Change the ESUEligibility value to 2.

Change the ESUEligibilityResult value to 1.

Close the settings app, and reopen it, and go to Windows Update again. Now the ESU option should have appeared again (this disappears every time you reboot the PC, so you have to go into the registry every time after rebooting). I then clicked the prompts and managed to get all the way to joining the ESU program.

So in my case the problem was that I was on Windows 10 Education, and upgrading to Windows 10 Pro solved the issue!

Hope it works for you!
Sign in to comment

Use comments to ask for clarification, additional information, or improvements to the question.
Raymond Caswell 155 Reputation points

2025-10-13T17:17:50.79+00:00

I had this very same annoying issue UNTIL I hit on the left side in settings under "Find my device." It was turned "off" and then I changed it to "on." As soon as I turned it to "on" I was able to "enroll" the very next time. Hopefully this works for someone else as well.
Was this answer helpful?

30+ people found this answer helpful.
Benjamin Cheong 15 Reputation points

2025-10-13T19:32:46.8233333+00:00

Also does not work after changing to "ON"

Enroll button is there, but still cannot enroll :(

John 0 Reputation points

2025-10-13T21:46:46.1433333+00:00

This worked for me. Thank you

Mika 0 Reputation points

2025-10-14T07:16:11.7166667+00:00

Turning "Find my device" ON worked, many thanks Raymond!

Anonymous

2025-10-14T09:31:19.4433333+00:00

Work for me. Thank you

Donald Mears 0 Reputation points

2025-10-15T00:20:22.93+00:00

Thanks. I would never have figured that out.

Kevin Davis 0 Reputation points

2025-10-15T07:03:48.79+00:00

this worked! thank you! Find my device was ON, switching off and back on again fixed the issue.

Necdet Kaynak 0 Reputation points

2025-10-16T03:01:34.01+00:00

Thanks a lot Raymond. It worked for me instantly. Saved a lot of time.

ஐ Owl ஐ 0 Reputation points

2025-10-16T17:18:20.43+00:00

thank you, it works for me after enable find my device.

Mayuran 0 Reputation points

2025-10-17T13:55:10.41+00:00

The device was on. But after turning it off and back on, the enrollment happened. Thank you, Raymond.

Ken Davidson 0 Reputation points

2025-10-17T14:10:34.0133333+00:00

This didn't work for me. I turned the device ON, but still get the error.

Dee Dubs 0 Reputation points

2025-10-17T16:14:12.4266667+00:00

Mine was On and I couldn't enroll. I turned it to Off and I could.

Kurian John 0 Reputation points

2025-10-18T05:25:41.08+00:00

On my device the option find my device was on but couldn't register for extended security updates. I offed an on the option and was able register.

Bob Milovich 0 Reputation points

2025-10-18T15:43:02.1233333+00:00

this worked for me!

Raymond Caswell 155 Reputation points

2025-10-18T15:45:46.2866667+00:00

I'm thrilled this is working for most. I totally got lucky when I stumbled on to the fix and thought it was best to share. :)

John 0 Reputation points

2025-10-19T23:29:51.0533333+00:00

This worked for me! Thank you!

Leonard Hopkins 0 Reputation points

2025-10-21T20:16:10.88+00:00

This is the answer. Everything else is just guesswork and wasting people's time. Great find

Giridharan M 0 Reputation points

2025-10-23T05:20:21.8466667+00:00

Thank you so much. This worked.

Nick Howarth 0 Reputation points

2025-10-23T22:23:33.59+00:00

Thanks Raymond. I would never have thought to try this but it did the job :)

David Challoner 0 Reputation points

2025-10-24T23:45:24.4133333+00:00

Worked for me.

David Talcott 0 Reputation points

2025-10-31T04:43:08.8633333+00:00

This worked for me also. Thank you!

Josh L 0 Reputation points

2025-11-08T04:30:39.3533333+00:00

This fixed it for me. Thanks!
Sign in to comment

Use comments to ask for clarification, additional information, or improvements to the question.
Acproy 0 Reputation points

2025-10-14T18:37:29.7866667+00:00

I had this precise issue while managing an old standalone business PC (Dell OptiPlex 3050). Unfortunately, I had to convert the local account to a Microsoft Account beforehand. If you are getting the error messages Eri has mentioned, you must log in, on your device, as a Microsoft Account. It will go through the process of changing your local password to a new PIN login. After the account is no longer local, click on enrollment.

You will get the first screenshot but with a Add Device button, if your Microsoft Account is already enrolled in ESU. You will not get the login screen at all.

Hope this helps.
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Sign in to comment

Use comments to ask for clarification, additional information, or improvements to the question.

How to fix ESU error "We can’t enroll you in Extended Security Updates right now" when trying to enroll?

15 answers

Your answer