Microsoft has confirmed that it will offer Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for the Windows 10 operating system until late 2027. Specifically, ESUs will cover Windows 10 until October 12, 2027, after which Microsoft will stop providing security updates for this operating system. This extension gives those unwilling to upgrade a chance to extend the life of the legendary OS that has powered millions of desktops since 2015. On October 14, Microsoft officially ended general support for Windows 10, halting feature updates, routine quality-of-life improvements, and general technical support. Devices running this OS can still boot and run existing software, but the regular system-level enhancements and new capabilities that users have come to expect have stopped.

Originally, Microsoft designed its ESU program as a temporary remedy for the end-of-life status, allowing users to transition to the newer Windows 11 operating system, as migrations to a new platform can be complex. Organizations running Windows 10 can have tens of thousands of PCs, and managing an upgrade on this scale can be challenging. Therefore, organizations can often delay this transition by purchasing ESUs, which extend security features to keep their systems protected. In the European Economic Area, users receive the ESU package free for a year before Microsoft ends support, but they must sign in with a Microsoft Account. While ESUs can buy time for complex migrations, they are explicitly a temporary measure. Relying on ESUs long-term leaves systems exposed to unsupported components and growing incompatibilities with newer software.

Microsoft also confirmed several options for enrolling in the ESU program. For example, instead of only paying the previously announced $30 fee, users can now enroll for free by either syncing their PC settings through Windows Backup or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. The new enrollment wizard, available through Windows Settings and notifications, is rolling out to Windows Insiders starting today, with a wider release planned for July and broad availability expected by mid-August. Microsoft also confirmed that Windows 10 devices accessing Windows 11 Cloud PCs through Windows 365 or virtual machines will receive ESU at no additional cost, especially for EEA users.