Microsoft Extends Windows 10 ESU to 2027, Giving Consumers an Extra Year of Security Updates
Microsoft has quietly extended its Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for personal users, pushing the cutoff date from October 13, 2026 to October 12, 2027 — a full year of additional security coverage for those still running the legacy operating system.
Windows 10’s official end-of-support date was October 14, 2025. After that, Microsoft launched the ESU program for consumers, offering annual cycles of security-only patches — no new features, no enhancements, just critical fixes. Originally slated to end in October 2026, the service now runs an extra year. Already-registered users will have their coverage automatically extended to the new deadline with no action required.
The cost of entry for consumers remains low. Devices must be running Windows 10 version 22H2 (Home, Pro, Pro Education, or Workstation editions) with the latest updates installed. Registration is free if PC settings sync is enabled, can be redeemed for 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or purchased outright for $30 — a single license covers up to 10 devices under the same Microsoft account.
Business users face a steeper climb. Commercial ESU is a paid-only affair: $61 per device in the first year, doubling to $122 in the second, and $244 in the third. No free tier, no Rewards bypass.
Microsoft says the extension reflects a recognition that users need time to transition to newer hardware. “We understand that replacing a PC takes time,” the company stated, while still recommending migration to Windows 11 as the long-term path forward. The message is clear: Windows 10 gets security patches, but Windows 11 gets the company’s active development focus.
For those choosing to stay on Windows 10, the ESU registration entry point is in Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update. Eligible devices will show a “Register now” link. Once enrolled, critical and important security updates continue to arrive automatically through Windows Update through October 2027.