Microsoft has pushed back the end-of-life date for free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates by another year, now covering devices through October 12, 2027. The change was slipped into an editor’s note on a Windows Experience Blog post rather than announced formally.
Windows 10 officially reached end of support on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft stopped providing technical support, feature updates, or security patches unless you’re running a Windows LTSC version. The company originally offered consumers one extra year of free ESU coverage through October 2026.
Now users get two full years of extended security updates at no cost. Microsoft says the extension gives people more time to transition to Windows 11 or pick up a new Copilot+ PC while still receiving critical security patches.
The free ESU program works through one of four methods: paying $30, backing up Windows settings to a Microsoft account, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft reward points, or — for users in the European Economic Area — simply logging in with a Microsoft account. One license covers up to 10 devices tied to the same account, and existing enrollees are automatically covered through the new 2027 date.
Worth noting: the consumer ESU program only applies to personal devices. Systems joined to Active Directory domains or managed through MDM aren’t eligible, though Microsoft Entra-registered devices can still get coverage. Enterprise customers pay up to $427 per device for three years of ESU.
If you’re still on Windows 10, you’ve got more time — but the clock is ticking toward 2027.
