Microsoft Prolongs Windows 10 Update Support Until 2027

WHO:

Ars Technica - Microsoft is the organization involved in the update support for Windows 10.

WHAT:

Ars Technica - Microsoft has confirmed that the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 will now last until October 12, 2027, instead of the previously scheduled October 12, 2026.

ZDNET - The ESU program for personal devices is available for Windows 10, version 22H2, Home, Professional, Pro Education, and Workstation editions, with the latest Windows cumulative update installed.

TechRadar - Microsoft is now covering consumers for another year, extending support for Windows 10 to October 2027.

ZDNET - Microsoft has confirmed that customers in any of the 30 EEA countries automatically qualify for free Extended Security Updates (ESU) subscriptions without any additional requirements.

ZDNET - The ESU subscription for personal devices can be activated using a Microsoft account and can be applied to as many as 10 PCs by signing in to each one with the same account.

Ars Technica - Microsoft has changed its policy, extending the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 by an additional year, now ending on October 12, 2027.

Windows Central - The Windows 10 ESU program was originally set to end on October 12, 2026, but has been updated to last until October 12, 2027.

TechRadar - Microsoft is now covering consumers for another year, extending support for Windows 10 to October 2027.

Windows Central - Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 10 users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for free by signing in with a Microsoft account or by paying 1,000 Microsoft reward points or $30 USD.

Windows Central - The support page states, "Windows 10 support has ended. You can enroll in ESU any time until the programme ends on 12 October, 2027. If you’re already enrolled, your coverage will automatically continue through that date—no action needed."

Ars Technica - Microsoft has extended the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 by an additional year.

Techmeme - The new end date for the ESU program is now October 12, 2027, instead of the previously scheduled October 12, 2026.

WHEN:

Ars Technica - The last regular updates for Windows 10 were rolled out in October of the previous year.

Techmeme - The Extended Security Updates program will now end on October 12, 2027.

WHY:

Windows Central - Microsoft likely extended support for Windows 10 due to the ongoing RAM crisis, which has increased new PC prices, making upgrades financially challenging for users with functioning Windows 10 PCs.

Ars Technica - Microsoft is facing challenges in transitioning users from Windows 10 to Windows 11, as Windows 11 usage has only slightly surpassed that of Windows 10 when support ended.

HOW:

ZDNET - Windows 10 users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for free by signing in with a Microsoft account or by paying 1,000 Microsoft reward points or $30 USD.

Windows Central - Microsoft is still providing security patches for Windows 10 through the ESU program, which is essential for protecting devices connected to the internet from potential vulnerabilities.

Ars Technica - Microsoft updated its policy regarding the ESU program with an editor's note on its blog post, confirming the change in the end date.

(UPDATED June 26, 2026 21:21 UTC)

Microsoft has announced an extension of the Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10, now lasting until October 12, 2027, which is a year longer than previously planned. This program is available for various editions of Windows 10, including version 22H2, Home, Professional, Pro Education, and Workstation, provided users have the latest cumulative update installed. Windows 10 users can enroll in the ESU program for free by signing in with a Microsoft account or by using 1,000 Microsoft reward points or a payment of $30.

(UPDATED June 26, 2026 17:31 UTC)

Microsoft has announced that customers in any of the 30 EEA countries will automatically qualify for free Extended Security Updates subscriptions without any additional requirements. Users can activate the ESU subscription for personal devices using a Microsoft account, which can be applied to up to 10 PCs by signing in to each one with the same account. This program is available for Windows 10, version 22H2, across Home, Professional, Pro Education, and Workstation editions, provided the latest Windows cumulative update is installed.

(UPDATED June 26, 2026 11:54 UTC)

Microsoft has announced an extension of its Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10, now set to continue until October 12, 2027. Originally scheduled to end on October 12, 2026, this change means consumers will receive an additional year of support. This update reflects Microsoft's commitment to providing security for users of the operating system.

(UPDATED June 26, 2026 01:44 UTC)

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates program for free by signing in with a Microsoft account or by using 1,000 Microsoft reward points or a payment of $30. The support page indicates that while Windows 10 support has officially ended, users can enroll in the ESU program until it concludes on October 12, 2027, with automatic coverage for those already enrolled. This extension is likely a response to the ongoing RAM crisis, which has made upgrading to new PCs financially difficult for many users, and Microsoft continues to provide essential security patches through the ESU program to protect devices from vulnerabilities.

(UPDATED June 25, 2026 23:28 UTC)

Microsoft has announced an extension of the Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10 by an additional year, pushing the new end date to October 12, 2027. This decision comes as the company faces challenges in transitioning users from Windows 10 to Windows 11, with Windows 11 usage only slightly surpassing that of Windows 10 when support ended. The change was confirmed through an update on Microsoft's blog, which included an editor's note regarding the new timeline for the ESU program.