Unlike many previous Windows updates, Windows 11 required some users to buy new PCs with specific CPU technologies and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM). Microsoft was widely criticized for excluding perfectly functioning PCs, and that will become an issue in 2026. AI-driven storage and memory shortages have made system upgrades much more expensive, which could slow them down. Some have also avoided Windows 11 due to Microsoft’s intense focus on AI features.
The result is that Windows 10 remains stubbornly popular. According Statistics counter dataWindows 10 is still running on about 26 percent of PCs, while Windows 11 is on 72 percent. That means there are still hundreds of millions of active Windows 10 installations, but those machines will be up to date for at least another year.
To join the ESU program, simply look for the enrollment option in the Windows Update menu. EU customers get these updates for free, but in other regions, you must sign in with a Microsoft account and sync your system settings to receive free updates. Otherwise, joining the program costs $30 (or 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points).
Once you’re in, the ESU license works on up to 10 devices, but Microsoft emphasizes that it’s for personal use: Businesses have to pay per device for Windows 10 updates, but the program is available until 2028. But at this rate, Microsoft could release Windows 10 updates even beyond that timeline.
