Microsoft extends Windows 10 extended security updates to October 2027

Microsoft announced that its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 will be extended by one year, moving the final security‑update deadline to 12 October 2027. The original ESU window was set to end in October 2026. The extension applies to personal users, who can obtain the extra year for free by signing in with a Microsoft account or, in regions where a fee applies, by paying US $30 or redeeming 1 000 Microsoft Rewards points. Enterprise customers can add the ESU to up to ten devices per licence, with annual fees rising from $61 in the first year to $244 in the third year.

Microsoft said the move reflects the still‑large Windows 10 install base – about 26 % of global desktop PCs – and the difficulty many users face meeting Windows 11’s stricter hardware requirements, especially the TPM 2.0 mandate and rising component prices driven by a RAM and AI‑related supply crunch. The company updated its support‑page blog in June 2026 without a major press release, noting that existing ESU enrolments remain active and new enrolments can be made at any time until the new deadline.

The extension gives both consumers and organisations additional time to plan upgrades to Windows 11 or alternative operating systems while maintaining security protection for Windows 10 devices that cannot be upgraded promptly.