If you are still running Windows 10, Microsoft just handed you some breathing room. The company has quietly extended its free Extended Security Updates program for consumer devices by a full year, pushing the new cutoff to October 12, 2027.
The surprising part is that there was no big announcement. Microsoft simply updated its ESU support page and tucked an editor’s note onto a year-old blog post, and that was that.
How to get free Windows 10 security updates through 2027
If you already enrolled in ESU, your coverage shifts automatically to the new 2027 end date, so there’s nothing extra for you to do. But if you haven’t signed up yet, you still have time. Microsoft has kept three enrollment paths open. You can choose from any of the following:
- Back up your PC settings to a Microsoft account
- Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points
- Pay a flat $30 fee
Folks in the European Economic Area get it free just by signing into Windows 10 with a Microsoft account. One license covers up to 10 devices tied to that account.
However, keep in mind that this only applies to personal devices. Business PCs joined to Active Directory or controlled through mobile device management software fall outside its reach, with one exception for devices registered through Microsoft Entra. Meanwhile, companies have their own paid ESU track that runs through 2028.
Why this update matters right now?
A huge chunk of the Windows installed base still cannot meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements, leaving millions of PCs stuck on the older system. Plenty of other users stick around by choice, preferring Windows 10’s lighter footprint and its lack of built-in AI features and telemetry.
This news also arrives at the same time as Microsoft raised Xbox console prices and Apple announced hikes on its flagship products. For now, you have an extra year to figure out your next move without losing security coverage.
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