Windows 10 officially reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Since then, the only way for home users to keep receiving security patches has been Microsoft's consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. In June 2026, Microsoft quietly extended that program by another year, so many people are now unsure what applies to them.
Here is a clear, up-to-date summary of where things stand in October 2026, and a practical decision guide for what to do with your Windows 10 PC.
The short version
- Windows 10 support ended: October 14, 2025.
- Consumer ESU now runs until: October 12, 2027 (extended from October 2026 in a June 2026 update to Microsoft's ESU documentation).
- Already enrolled? According to reports on the change, enrolled devices are moved to the new end date automatically. You don't need to do anything.
- Not enrolled? You can still enroll a personal Windows 10 PC; the options are listed below.
What ESU actually gives you
ESU delivers critical and important security updates only. It does not add new features, and Microsoft does not provide general technical support for Windows 10 under ESU. Think of it as a safety bridge that keeps your PC protected while you plan an upgrade, not a long-term home.
Who is eligible
The consumer program is meant for personal devices. Based on Microsoft's published conditions as reported in June 2026:
- Personal PCs running Windows 10 can enroll. Your PC should be on the latest version, Windows 10 22H2, with current updates installed.
- Devices joined to Active Directory or Microsoft Entra, or managed by MDM (typical company laptops) are not eligible for the consumer program; businesses use the separate commercial ESU program through their IT department.
- Personal PCs that are merely registered with a work account (for example, you added your office email in Settings) remain eligible.
How to enroll
On an eligible PC, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. If your device qualifies, you'll see an option to enroll in Extended Security Updates. Microsoft offers these routes:
- Free: back up your PC settings to your Microsoft account using Windows Backup.
- Free: redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
- Paid: a one-time payment of US$30 (local pricing may differ).
- European Economic Area: users can get ESU free by signing in to Windows 10 with a Microsoft account.
One ESU license can cover up to 10 PCs signed in with the same Microsoft account.
Don't see the enroll option? Install all pending updates, confirm you're on 22H2 (Settings > System > About), sign in with an administrator account, and check again after a restart.
Decision guide: what should you do?
Your PC meets Windows 11 requirements
Upgrade to Windows 11. It's free for eligible Windows 10 PCs and gives you full support with feature updates. Check with the PC Health Check app or Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Back up your files first.
Your PC doesn't meet the requirements but still works well
Enroll in ESU. You're covered for security fixes until October 2027, which gives you a full year to budget for a replacement on your own schedule rather than in a panic.
You plan to buy a new PC soon
Enroll anyway if it's free for you (Windows Backup or Rewards). It costs nothing and protects you until the new machine arrives. Use the time to move files to OneDrive or an external drive.
Your old PC is used only occasionally
Consider whether it needs internet access at all. An offline PC used for documents or legacy software carries much less risk. Another option is installing a supported Linux distribution such as Ubuntu; see our comparison Windows vs Linux: which is better?
Staying safe on Windows 10 in the meantime
- Keep Microsoft Defender (or another reputable antivirus) running and updated.
- Keep your browser updated. Browser support on Windows 10 depends on each vendor, so check yours regularly.
- Don't install software from unknown sites, and treat unexpected email attachments with suspicion.
- Make sure BitLocker or device encryption is on, and that your BitLocker recovery key is backed up.
- Back up important files regularly to a second location.
Frequently asked questions
Will Windows 10 stop working after support ends?
No. The PC keeps working; it just stops receiving security fixes unless it's enrolled in ESU. Over time, unpatched systems become increasingly risky to use online.
Does ESU cover Microsoft 365 apps?
ESU covers Windows 10 itself. Support for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 follows its own separate timeline, so check Microsoft's Microsoft 365 documentation for the latest dates.
Is the October 2027 date final?
That's the current published end date for the consumer program. Microsoft has changed ESU terms before, so we'll update this article if anything changes.
Sources: Microsoft Windows 10 consumer ESU documentation; reporting by BleepingComputer and Tom's Hardware on the June 2026 extension. Last checked: October 2026.
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