Microsoft quietly extends Windows 10’s Extended Security Updates for an extra year

Microsoft pushes back Windows 10’s execution as the RAM crisis deepens

Microsoft has quietly extended its Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) from October 13th 2026, to October 12th 2027. This gives Windows 10 users an extra year of security updates. That’s great news for users who want to keep their current PCs a little while longer. After all, not all Windows 1o PCs support Windows 11.

With RAM and storage prices skyrocketing, now is not a great time to be buying a new PC. With this in mind, Microsoft’s ESU extension comes at a great time for consumers. This allows them to use their Windows 10 PCs for an extra year while maintaining official security support. After this support ends, it will only be a matter of time before Windows 10 becomes an insecure OS that is unsafe to use.

People who are already enrolled in Windows 10’s extended security updates program will not need to take any action to receive an extra year of coverage. Details on how to enrol in the program are available here.

What is Windows ESU?

The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 provides customers with a more secure option to continue using their Windows 10 PCs after October 14, 2025, while they transition to Windows 11. The ESU program helps reduce the risk of malware and cybersecurity attacks by providing access to critical and important security updates as defined by the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) for devices running Windows 10, version 22H2. ESU enrollment does not provide other types of fixes, feature improvements, or product enhancements. It also does not come with technical support.

Windows 10 support has ended. You can enroll in ESU any time until the program ends on October 12, 2027. If you’re already enrolled, your coverage will automatically continue through that date—no action needed.

– Microsoft

The good news is that Windows 10 users can now continue to use their PCs, secure in the knowledge that their PCs’ security is up to date. After October 2027, users should upgrade to Windows 11, buy a new Windows 11 PC, or move to Linux, which continues to support older hardware.

You can join the discussion on Windows 10’s extended security support on the OC3D Forums.