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ESU extended to 2027
Microsoft has extended its free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for consumers by an additional year, allowing enrolled devices to receive security updates until October 12, 2027.
“Microsoft ended official support for Windows 10 in 2025, but the company may have a harder time than expected putting the operating system out to pasture”
The extension was made without a formal announcement, appearing instead in updates to Microsoft’s ESU documentation and an editor’s note to a Windows Experience Blog post, according to Bleeping Computer.
Windows 10 officially reached its end of support on October 14, 2025, meaning Microsoft no longer provides technical support, feature updates, or security updates for the operating system except for specific LTSC versions.
Microsoft originally offered consumers a free ESU program set to expire on October 12, 2026, but the updated coverage now runs through October 12, 2027.
The program is intended for personal devices and is not available for systems managed through Active Directory or Mobile Device Management, though Microsoft Entra-registered devices are eligible.
Enrollment and eligibility
Microsoft says users can continue to receive extended security updates for free by backing up their Windows settings to their Microsoft account, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft reward points, or for users in the European Economic Area by logging into Windows 10 with a Microsoft account.
An ESU license can be used on up to 10 devices linked to the same Microsoft account, and users already enrolled will automatically remain covered until the new October 2027 end date.
The Microsoft blog editor’s note dated June 25, 2026 states that the Windows 10 ESU program for personal use devices is being provided for an additional year, with coverage now available through Oct. 12, 2027.
Ars Technica described the change as Microsoft “tacking on another year” to its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program after promising a year of optional extended update support.
Ars Technica also noted that if you are still clinging to Windows 10, you “don’t have to do anything but enjoy that extra year,” because enrolled users can keep receiving the updates.
Why Microsoft changed course
Microsoft’s editor’s note says the extension provides customers with more time to transition to a new Windows 11 PC while continuing to receive critical security updates.
“Windows 10 is reaching the end of its support, and without support it could expose your data to cyberattacks”
Thurrott reported that the Microsoft website reads, “Windows 10 support has ended,” and adds that “You can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program any time until the program ends on October 12, 2027.”
Thurrott also pointed to the original promise that the ESU for consumers was scheduled to end in October 2026, and it said the page still read October 13, 2026 as recently as May.
Windows Central tied the extension to the “RAMpocalypse,” writing that Microsoft has likely extended support for Windows 10 by an extra year due to the ongoing RAM crisis.
Windows Central said all Windows 10 users that are already enrolled in the ESU program will get this extended year of updates automatically, and it described the program as “vital” for keeping a PC connected to the internet secure.
