Windows 10 will continue to receive free security updates. Microsoft surprised with an extension until 2027

Windows 10 was supposed to slowly disappear from the scene after last year’s end of support. However, Microsoft has re-evaluated its plans for the second time, and extended security updates for regular users will now run for another year – completely free for most people.

What’s actually changing?

Windows 10 officially ended on October 14, 2025 – since then, the brand stopped releasing regular updates for it. As a safety net, Microsoft launched the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which added an extra year of patches for home users, until October 2026. Now, however, the company has added a second year without a major announcement. According to Microsoft’s updated documentation, ESU for regular users will run until October 2027. Anyone already enrolled in the program will receive the extension automatically.

How to get free updates on Windows 10?

There are three ways. The easiest is to turn on settings backup to your Microsoft account, then you get ESU for free. Those who don’t want to back up can spend 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or pay a one-time fee of around 30 dollars, approximately 640 Czech crowns in conversion. The condition is a computer with Windows 10 version 22H2 and the latest installed update.

What to watch out for?

ESU is definitely not full-fledged support. Through it, Microsoft sends only critical and important security patches – do not expect new features, non-security fixes, or technical support. It’s a bridge to Windows 11, which will likely happen sooner or later anyway; we only recently wrote about its latest major update.

If your computer doesn’t meet the requirements for Windows 11 due to the TPM chip or processor, you now have an extra year to calmly resolve an upgrade or purchase a new machine. The extension applies to home PCs – companies and organizations have their own paid ESU program, which can run for up to three years.

Will you stay on Windows 10 until 2027, or are you already planning to switch to Windows 11?

Sources: TechPowerUp, PC Gamer, Microsoft