If your computer still runs Windows 10, here’s some good news you might have missed: Microsoft has extended its consumer security update program by a full year, to October 12, 2027.
At a glance
- New end date: October 12, 2027 (it was October 13, 2026)
- Already enrolled? You’re covered automatically. Nothing to do.
- Not enrolled? You can still sign up any time before the program ends.
- Cost: free with Windows Backup turned on, 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or $30 for a year
- One license covers up to 10 PCs
What happened
Windows 10 reached its official end of support in October 2025. To keep people safe while they moved to Windows 11, Microsoft offered a paid add-on called Extended Security Updates, or ESU, that was supposed to stop in October 2026. Microsoft didn’t make a big announcement about the extension. It simply updated its ESU documentation and added an editor’s note to a Windows blog post saying you can enroll any time until the program ends on October 12, 2027.
Who qualifies
- Your PC must run Windows 10 version 22H2 with the latest updates installed.
- It must be the Home, Pro, Pro Education or Workstations edition.
- You need to sign in with a Microsoft account that has administrator rights. If you use a local account, Windows will ask you to switch.
- Child accounts aren’t eligible.
How to sign up
Open Settings, go to Update & Security, then Windows Update, and look for the option to enroll in Extended Security Updates. If you don’t see it, install any waiting updates first and check again. Not sure which version you have? Press the Windows key, type winver and press Enter.
Don’t treat this as a reason to wait forever
An extra year is helpful, especially with PC prices climbing because of a worldwide memory shortage (we explain that here). But security updates are all you get. New features, newer apps and some hardware will keep moving on without Windows 10. Use the year to plan:
- Check whether your current PC can run Windows 11. Many machines from before 2018 cannot.
- If it can, upgrade on your own schedule instead of in a rush next fall.
- If it cannot, budget for a replacement now, while you still have security updates protecting you.
Businesses should note that Microsoft’s business ESU program works differently and is priced per device, so check your plan before assuming you’re covered.
Need a hand with this at home or at work? HD Technologies sets up, secures and supports Wi-Fi, computers and networks for homes and small businesses. Email us at [email protected].
Sources: Help Net Security, Microsoft Q&A.
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