Microsoft Didn’t Announce It, but Windows 10 Just Got Another Year of Free Security Updates

Microsoft has extended its Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program by yet another year, until October 12, 2027.

After support for Windows 10 PCs ended on October 14, 2025,^[1] Microsoft had earlier decided to continue providing security updates until October 12, 2026. However, much to the relief of Windows 10 users, this deadline has now been pushed back by one year, ensuring users continue to receive critical security updates for devices running Windows 10 version 22H2.

Interestingly, this update likely flew under the radar for many users, as Microsoft didn’t officially announce the change. Instead, it quietly added an editor’s note to its existing Windows 10 ESU support page.^[2]

Thanks for subscribing!

Please check your email for your first message.

Take back control of your privacy.

Join thousands who get our privacy-first newsletter every week. No spam. No nonsense.

Sign me up

By submitting this form you agree to receive emails from All About Cookies and to the privacy policy and terms.

Why Microsoft extended Windows 10 security updates

The extension of the ESU program reflects Microsoft’s acknowledgement that moving to Windows 11 has not been easy for customers. Talking to Bleeping Computer, Microsoft said "We understand that moving to a new PC can take time."

According to the company, this extension will give customers more time to find the best PC for their needs without letting their device’s guard down.

The biggest barrier allegedly is the strict hardware requirements for Windows 11, such as TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and CPUs from an approved list, including 8th Gen Intel processors or equivalent AMD or Qualcomm chips.

According to Liam Tung from ZDNet, around 40% of Windows 10 PCs are not able to switch to Windows 11 due to these strict hardware requirements.

A recent survey from HP found that around three out of 10 HP PCs are still running Windows 10. While this is better than September 2025, where around 50% of PCs were still running Windows 10, there’s still a long way to go before full Windows 11 adoption.

Windows migration is progressing slowly, with Windows 11 now commanding 75% of the market share, slowly phasing out Windows 10.

Rising RAM prices have not helped users either. For instance, a 32GB DDR5-6000 kit now costs $432, compared to around $80 in mid-2025 — a roughly fourfold increase.

Worse still, experts believe that this may only be the beginning of further price increases. Ethan Tan, a memory industry consultant, said in an interview with Jefferies Equity Research that he expects memory prices to increase by another 40-50% in Q3 2026, and then again by 30-40% in Q4.

As a result, Windows 10 users who need to upgrade their hardware before moving to Windows 11 may find doing so significantly more expensive by the end of 2026.

How to get Windows 10 ESU support

If you’re already enrolled in the ESU program, there’s nothing for you to do. The extension will automatically be applied to your account.

But if you haven’t yet enrolled in the program, there are three ways to do so:

1. Sync your PC settings to your Microsoft account. This entails no additional cost.
2. Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
3. Making a one-time purchase of $30 USD or the local currency equivalent.

If you’re in the European Economic Area, you can receive ESU for free by simply logging in with your Microsoft account on your Windows 10 PC.

To check if you’re eligible for the ESU extension:

1. Go to Settings on your Windows 10 device.
2. Select Update & Security, then Windows Update.
3. If you’re already backing up your PC settings to your Microsoft account, you’ll see an Enroll Now prompt.

In other cases, you will need to choose whether to start backing up your settings to your Microsoft account or use one of the two other options — redeeming Microsoft Rewards points or paying $30.

Also, you cannot enroll in the ESU program if you have signed in to Windows with a local account. You will be prompted to sign in with your Microsoft account instead. One ESU license can cover up to 10 devices linked to the same Microsoft account.

Can you continue using Windows 10 beyond 2027?

There are a few workarounds. Security firm 0patch has announced that it will continue providing unofficial Windows 10 micropatches until at least 2030.

A third-party antivirus program can also add a meaningful layer of protection. Antivirus software can catch known malware and flag suspicious behavior that slips past basic defenses, though it can't replace OS-level security patches the way the ESU program does. If you're planning to stay on Windows 10 past 2027, pairing 0patch with a solid antivirus is a smarter approach than relying on either alone.

Another solution is switching to the Linux operating system. Unlike Windows 11, Linux doesn’t have strict hardware requirements and can run comfortably on much of the hardware that Windows 11 rejects, giving users an alternative without depending on Windows-specific software.

Several users and communities now believe that this isn’t the last extension, and Microsoft will extend support further. A Reddit user, u/jazir55, said, “Deprecating an OS's security updates used by hundreds of millions of users with no upgrade path was never going to happen.”

Another user in the Windows Central community believes Microsoft’s late timing and discrete announcement is by design. “Windows 10 will be supported till October 2028. This has nothing to do with prices,” they said. Their argument is that Microsoft knowingly left the announcement until the end of June — just like it did last year — to push the maximum number of users to Windows 11.

Bottom line

Amid rising hardware costs and slow Windows 11 adoption, Microsoft’s decision to extend the Windows 10 ESU program has given users another year of security updates while they decide when — or whether — to upgrade.

While official support won't last forever, users who want to avoid upgrading while still keeping their computer safe should consider a third-party antivirus software to help fill the gap. They can also either switch to Linux or use third-party Windows 10 patches from firms such as 0patch.

Protect Every Aspect of Your Digital Life — Even Your Time

4.7

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

See Price

On TotalAV's website

2026 Editors’ Choice

Best Antivirus for Safe Browsing

Antivirus Software

TotalAV

• An antivirus that scores 18/18 on AV-TEST for Windows and macOS, with top marks across all test categories
• Passed every malware and drive-by download test we ran, quarantining threats automatically
• Includes a junk cleaner, app uninstaller, and browser cleaner to keep your device running smoothly alongside the antivirus

Author Details

Krishi Chowdhary

About the Author

Krishi Chowdhary specializes in digital privacy, cybersecurity, and consumer technology. With more than five years of experience, he has written extensively about online privacy tools, including VPNs, password managers, and identity theft protection, alongside broader cybersecurity topics such as online scams, data breaches, age verification, and emerging digital threats. At AAC, Krishi focuses on staying ahead of industry trends, translating fast-moving developments into clear, actionable insights for everyday readers. He believes technology reporting should empower readers, not confuse them, and is committed to making even the most technical subjects easy to understand without compromising on accuracy or depth. His work has appeared in leading technology publications, including CNET, ExpressVPN, and TechRadar, where he has covered everything from cybersecurity incidents and privacy product announcements to artificial intelligence and major technology industry news.