microsoft has extended the free Windows 10 extended security update program for consumers for another year. Devices enrolled in the program will continue to receive security updates until October 12, 2027.
This change was made without a formal announcement; appeared in updates to Microsoft’s Windows 10 ESU documentation and as an editor’s note in a Windows Experience Blog post published the day before.
Originally, the consumer ESU program was set to end on October 12, 2026. Already enrolled users will be automatically covered until the new end date in October 2027.
What Microsoft said about the extension and how to sign up for free
The editor’s note on the Windows Experience Blog indicates that the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for personal devices will be extended for another year and will now be available until October 12, 2027.
This extension gives users more time to transition to a new Windows 11 PC while continuing to receive essential security updates.
When asked why the extension was implemented, Microsoft told BleepingComputer that they understand that moving to a new PC can take time.
As part of its ongoing effort to support customers during the transition, the Windows 10 ESU program for personal devices will now be available for an additional year, providing more flexibility for users to find a suitable PC while staying protected.
Consumers can continue to receive free extended security updates through several methods: paying $30, backing up Windows settings to a Microsoft account, or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
For users in the European Economic Area, signing in to Windows 10 with a Microsoft account also grants you access. The ESU license can be used on up to 10 devices linked to the same Microsoft account. EEA users have the simplest option, requiring no payment, endorsement or reward redemption.
Restrictions and what the extra year means for Windows 10 users
The consumer ESU program has several restrictions:
It is only available for personal devices and cannot be used with Active Directory domain-joined systems or devices connected to Microsoft Sign in.
Additionally, devices managed through Mobile Device Management are not eligible. However, devices registered with Microsoft Sign in, instead of joining, can participate.
Enterprise customers have access to a separate paid ESU program that extends security updates for up to three years at a total cost of $427 per device.
For users who have not yet upgraded to Windows 11, the extension offers an additional year of support. This is especially important given the rising costs of new PCs in 2026, driven by the memory price crisis that makes hardware upgrades more expensive than in previous years.
Users who have not enrolled in the consumer ESU program must do so now to maintain continued coverage. Registration options have not changed. Those who are already registered will receive the extension automatically.
For users running Windows 10 on systems that do not meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11, this extension can be quite important.
Around 400 million active PCs cannot officially upgrade to Windows 11 due to TPM 2.0, secure boot, or supported processor requirements.
The free ESU extension gives these users until October 2027 to purchase new hardware or switch to an alternative operating system like Linux.
The transition from Windows 10 has been one of the most complicated for Microsoft in recent years. The operating system reached end of support on October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft stopped providing technical support, feature updates, and standard security updates outside of the LTSC and ESU channels.
Microsoft has continued to promote the update to windows 11 or new Co-pilot+ PC, although adoption has been slower than expected.
The extension recognizes that the update process is taking longer than initially planned, especially for users whose hardware is still working but does not meet Windows 11 requirements. The free ESU extension is now available.
Users with Windows 10 devices should ensure they are enrolled through the most appropriate route to continue receiving security updates until October 12, 2027.
