If you still use Windows 10 at home, there’s good news many sites haven’t caught up with: Microsoft extended by one more year the free Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for personal computers. The new end date is October 12, 2027 — no longer October 13, 2026, as originally announced.
In this article
What changed
- Regular Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Since then, only devices enrolled in ESU receive security fixes.
- Consumer ESU was set to last one year, until October 13, 2026.
- On June 25, 2026, Microsoft updated the program documentation: ESU for personal devices now runs through October 12, 2027.
- Devices already enrolled stay covered automatically through the new date, with nothing to do.
How to enroll (if you haven’t yet)
You can enroll at any time until the program ends, from Windows Update in Windows 10, where the option to enroll in Extended Security Updates appears. The ways to activate it are:
| Option | Cost |
|---|---|
| Sync your PC settings to your Microsoft account (Windows Backup) | Free |
| Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points | Free (with points) |
| One-time purchase | US$30 (or local equivalent) |
A single ESU license covers up to 10 computers on the same Microsoft account.
What to do with the extra year
- Check whether your computer can run Windows 11 — see Windows 11 requirements and TPM 2.0. Many PCs just need the TPM turned on in the BIOS.
- If it can, plan the upgrade calmly, with a 3-2-1 backup done first.
- If it can’t, use the time to plan a replacement — without rushing or overpaying at the last minute.
FAQ
Do I need to enroll again?
No. Devices already in ESU stay covered through October 12, 2027 automatically.
What happens after October 2027?
Microsoft hasn’t announced anything beyond that date for personal use. Treat 2027 as the final deadline to migrate.
Another site says the deadline is October 2026. Who’s right?
The original deadline was October 13, 2026, but Microsoft extended it in June 2026. The official program page now shows October 12, 2027.
