Microsoft extends Windows 10 and Server security updates through October 2027

Microsoft announced that its free Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 10 will now run until 12 October 2027 for private users in the European Economic Area, pushing back the earlier expiry of October 2026. Eligible devices running version 22H2 will continue to receive critical security patches, while users without a Microsoft account can obtain a one‑time licence for about €30.

The company also extended support for the Hotpatch feature of Windows Server 2022 Datacenter Azure Edition by one year, now covering security updates through October 2027. Hotpatches apply fixes directly in memory without requiring a system reboot, reducing downtime. The extension applies only to registered Azure‑Edition instances; other Windows Server 2022 editions retain their standard extended‑support end date of 14 October 2031. Microsoft said, “Hotpatching was designed to provide protection from security threats without a device restart, helping maintain uptime and reduce service interruptions.”