Microsoft announced the extension of the Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 by an additional year, giving users more options to keep their devices secure and up-to-date until the fall of 2026.
The announcement comes ahead of the end of official support on October 14, 2025, the date on which Microsoft stops providing security updates for the operating system that was first released in 2015.
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The new ESU program offers Windows 10 users three ways to enroll:
- Free, through the use of Windows Backup to synchronize settings in the cloud,
- Free, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards,
- Or for $30, with possible price variations by region.
Enrollment is done through a new “enrollment wizard” that will be integrated into the Windows 10 Settings app. The feature is already available to testers in the Windows Insider Program, with wider availability starting in July and ending in August.
The ESU program will only cover critical and important security updates , and will not include new features or non-security fixes. Also, the free options require a Microsoft account .
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"Users or organizations that choose to continue using Windows 10 after the official end of support will have the option to enroll in ESU with an annual subscription," Microsoft notes.
The program covers the period from October 15, 2025 to October 13, 2026, offering another year of digital security to those who have not yet migrated to Windows 11 or another supported platform.
Microsoft's decision to extend the Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 is probably expected – especially considering that a large percentage of Windows users worldwide are still using Windows 10, according to recent statistics.
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This feature allows users who cannot or do not want to upgrade immediately to remain protected against critical threats. On the other hand, upgrading is necessary, since the program does not cover functional or design improvements, so devices remain technologically "stagnant."
In conclusion, this is a practical but temporary solution. Microsoft buys time for the adoption of Windows 11, while users get one last grace period before the final end of support. While it is not a long-term strategy, it is certainly a move with respect to the large user base who are not yet ready to change operating system.
Source: thehackernews.com
