Microsoft may have officially ended support for Windows 10 last year, but the company is giving users more breathing room before security updates come to a complete stop. Earlier, Microsoft had advised users with PCs that do not meet Windows 11's hardware requirements to either buy a new device or sign up for the Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme. That programme was originally expected to end in October this year, but Microsoft has now quietly extended it by another year.

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Windows 10 Security Updates Extended Until October 2027

Microsoft has confirmed that eligible Windows 10 users can continue receiving critical security updates through the Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme until October 12, 2027. The programme was first introduced in 2025 after many users pushed back against the company's decision to end Windows 10 support.

In an updated support document, Microsoft said, "Windows 10 support has ended. You can enrol 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."

The extension gives Windows 10 users, especially those with older PCs that cannot officially run Windows 11, additional time to either upgrade their hardware or make the switch to Microsoft's latest operating system without immediately losing security protection.

Microsoft has also clarified that users can join the ESU programme at any point before October 12, 2027. However, the company warns that devices which remain unenrolled after Windows 10 support has ended will be more vulnerable to viruses, malware, and other security threats until ESU coverage begins.

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For users who have already enrolled in the programme, nothing changes. Their ESU licence will automatically remain valid through October 12, 2027, without requiring any additional steps. A single ESU licence can be used to protect up to 10 devices.

To enrol, users must sign in with their Microsoft account. The Consumer ESU programme is available for devices running Windows 10 version 22H2 Home, Professional, Pro Education, and Workstations editions. Microsoft also notes that eligible devices must have the latest Windows updates installed before joining the programme