Microsoft has added another year to its Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10 users. The change pushes the end date from October 12, 2026, to October 12, 2027. Users on the older operating system will continue receiving patches without taking any action.
Official support for Windows 10 ended in 2025. Microsoft initially offered one year of optional paid updates but has now extended that timeline after Windows 10 remained in use on roughly 26 percent of PCs.
The company updated its ESU support page and added an editor’s note to a related blog post confirming the new October 2027 cutoff. Regular updates stopped in October 2025, leaving unpatched machines exposed to security risks.
Windows 11 adoption has reached 72 percent, yet hardware requirements and the high cost of components amid AI-driven shortages have slowed upgrades for many users. In the European Union the extra updates remain free, while other regions require a Microsoft account or a $30 payment for enrollment.
The program covers up to 10 personal devices. Businesses must pay per device and can access updates through 2028.