Originally published: 25.06.26
Normal support for Windows 10 discontinued by Microsoft on 14.10.2025: Extended support (ESU) now available till 12.10.2027
Summary:
If you have a PC or laptop running Windows 10, Microsoft originally said it wouldn't receive any more security updates after 14.10.2025: if you enrolled in the ESU in the summer / autumn of 2025, that date was first extended to 14.10.2026. Microsoft have now extended that free ESU support programme for a second year, until 12.10.2027.
Hurrah!
Windows 10 ESU: Extended Support Updates:
In 2026 Microsoft announced Windows 10 Extended Support Updates (ESU), which provide security updates for Windows 10 for one additional year, until 14.10.2026. In June 2026, they quietly extended that date till 12.10.2027
This is a good thing.
You can enrol your computer with Windows 10 ESU either for around £30, or for free: if you have an account with Microsoft, e.g. a subscription to Microsoft Office / Microsoft 365, you can probably enrol for free. If you're able to collect 1,000 Microsoft Reward Points, you can also enrol in the ESU for free. Worst case, you can pay a one-time fee of about £30 (+VAT?).
The ESU enrolment option is normally shown in the Settings app, under "Windows Update". There's anecdotal evidence that the Enrolment option is not appearing for everyone yet. You may potentially need to wait till the middle / end of September 2025 to see it (it is, however, definitely possible to "nudge" Windows into showing the ESU enrolment option now, if you really don't want to wait).
Once you've successfully enrolled, you'll see the following message at the top right of the "Windows Update" screen:
"Your PC is enrolled to get Extended Security Updates"
There's more information about the ESU and the extension to 2027 here:
https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-10-quietly-gets-one-more-year-of-support-and-updates/