Microsoft quietly extends free Windows 10 ESU support to October 2027

Update: Added Microsoft's statement to the article.

Microsoft has quietly extended its free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for consumers by an additional year, allowing enrolled devices to continue receiving security updates until October 12, 2027.

The change was made without a formal announcement and instead appeared in updates to Microsoft's Windows 10 ESU documentation and as an "Editor's note" to a Windows Experience Blog post published yesterday.

"Editor's note – June 25, 2026 – This post has been updated to reflect that the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for personal use devices is being provided for an additional year, with coverage now available through Oct. 12, 2027," reads the updated blog post.

"This extension provides customers with more time to transition to a new Windows 11 PC while continuing to receive critical security updates."

On October 14, 2025, Windows 10 reached the end of support, and Microsoft no longer provides technical support, feature updates, or security updates for the operating system unless you are running a Windows LTSC version.

For those who are unable to upgrade to Windows 11, Microsoft originally offered consumers an extra year of security updates if they enrolled in a free extended security updates (ESUs) program that would expire on October 12, 2026.

Enterprise customers could also enroll in the ESU program for up to three years, bringing the total cost per device to $427 over that period.

With today's quiet update, Microsoft has now extended the free consumer ESU program to October 12, 2027, giving users an additional year to upgrade to a newer operating system.

When asked why the free ESU program was extended, Microsoft shared the following statement with BleepingComputer.

"We understand that moving to a new PC can take time. As part of our ongoing commitment to helping customers stay secure during the transition, the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for personal devices is being provided for an additional year," explained Microsoft.

"Coverage will now be available through October 12, 2027. This gives customers more time and flexibility to find the best PC for their needs while keeping them protected."

Consumers can continue to receive extended security for free using one of these methods:

• Paying $30.
• Backing up your Windows settings to your Microsoft account.
• Redeeming 1,000 Microsoft reward points.
• Users in the European Economic Area can receive ESU for free by logging in to Windows 10 with a Microsoft account.

Microsoft says an ESU license can be used on up to 10 devices associated with the same Microsoft account, and users already enrolled will automatically remain covered until the new October 2027 end date.

The company notes that the consumer ESU program is only for personal devices and is not available for systems joined to Active Directory domains, Microsoft Entra, or managed through Mobile Device Management (MDM). However, Microsoft Entra-registered devices are eligible.

The extension gives Windows 10 users another year of security updates as Microsoft continues encouraging customers to upgrade to Windows 11 or purchase new Copilot+ PCs.

Test every layer before attackers do

Security teams log 54% of successful attacks and alert on just 14%. The rest move through your environment unseen.

The Picus whitepaper shows how breach and attack simulation tests your SIEM and EDR rules so threats stop slipping by detection.

Get the whitepaper