Windows 10 Extended Security Updates now protect enrolled consumer PCs through October 12, 2027. Microsoft extended the program by one year, giving eligible Windows 10 users more time to upgrade or replace an older computer.
Your PC must be enrolled to receive these monthly security updates. If you enrolled before the extension, Microsoft says coverage continues automatically. If you have not enrolled, open Windows Update and choose one of the available enrollment options.
Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. If the page says your PC is enrolled in Extended Security Updates, no further action is needed. If you see Enroll now, follow the wizard. Eligible consumers may enroll by syncing PC settings at no additional cost, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or making a one-time $30 purchase. Options can vary by region.
Standard Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. A PC without ESU can still start and run, but it no longer receives the normal monthly Windows security fixes.
Microsoft originally described the consumer ESU program as one year of added protection. Its current Windows 10 consumer ESU page now lists October 12, 2027 as the end date. Microsoft also says devices already enrolled receive the added coverage automatically.
The extension supplies critical and important security updates. It does not add Windows features, restore general technical support, or make Windows 10 a long-term replacement for Windows 11.
Windows 10 ESU Dates at a Glance
These are the dates that matter when planning what to do with a Windows 10 PC:
| Date | What it means |
|---|---|
| October 14, 2025 | Standard Windows 10 support ended. |
| October 12, 2027 | Consumer ESU security coverage ends for enrolled PCs. |
| October 10, 2028 | Microsoft 365 Apps security updates on Windows 10 are scheduled to end. |
Microsoft explains the operating-system and Microsoft 365 timelines on its Windows 10 end-of-support page.
Who Can Enroll in Consumer ESU?
The consumer program is for personal devices running Windows 10 version 22H2 in Home, Pro, Pro Education, or Pro for Workstations edition. Install the latest Windows updates before enrolling.
The Microsoft account used during enrollment must have administrator rights and cannot be a child account. One ESU license can cover up to 10 eligible devices linked to that account. Commercial devices, domain-joined PCs, and devices managed through mobile-device-management tools use different ESU licensing.
Can You Enroll While Using a Local Windows Account?
Yes. You do not have to replace your local Windows sign-in permanently. When you select Enroll now, the wizard can ask you to sign in with a Microsoft account for enrollment. That Microsoft account must be an administrator on the PC. This is different from saying that a local Windows account cannot be used at all.
Check Your Windows 10 Version
Press Windows key + R, type winver, and press Enter. The About Windows box should show Version 22H2. If it shows an older version, install pending updates from Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, restart, and check again.
How to Enroll in Windows 10 Extended Security Updates
Choose an Enrollment Option
Microsoft lists three consumer enrollment choices:
- Sync PC settings: Use Windows Backup to sync settings with your Microsoft account at no additional cost.
- Microsoft Rewards: Redeem 1,000 Rewards points if this option is available to your account.
- One-time purchase: Pay $30 or the local-currency equivalent.
You only need one option. Availability and pricing can differ by region, so follow the choices shown on your PC.
Complete the Enrollment
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Install all pending updates and restart if Windows asks.
- Return to Windows Update and select Enroll now.
- Sign in with an administrator Microsoft account when prompted.
- Choose the settings-sync, Rewards-points, or purchase option shown for your region.
- Finish the wizard and confirm that Windows Update reports the device as enrolled.
You can enroll at any time before October 12, 2027, but delaying leaves the PC without current Windows security patches.
Confirm the PC runs Windows 10 22H2, install the latest cumulative update, restart, and check Windows Update again. The consumer offer may not appear on devices managed by a company or school because those systems use commercial ESU licensing.
How to Check Whether the PC Is Enrolled
Return to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and look for the Extended Security Updates status. An enrolled device should say it is receiving ESU. Install an available security update, restart, and check View update history if you want to confirm that recent updates are arriving.
Seeing “You’re up to date” by itself does not prove ESU enrollment. Check for the specific enrollment message. Microsoft says previously enrolled PCs receive the extension automatically, so those users should not need to repeat the enrollment process.
What ESU Includes and What It Leaves Out
ESU is a security bridge. It includes critical and important Windows security updates delivered through Windows Update. It does not include new features, non-security improvements on request, or general Windows 10 support.
Antivirus software, careful browsing, and backups still matter, but they cannot patch vulnerabilities in the operating system. A Windows 10 PC that cannot receive ESU should not be treated as safely maintained simply because an antivirus program is installed.
Stay on Windows 10, Upgrade, or Replace the PC?
Use the ESU extension as planning time. The best choice depends on whether the computer supports Windows 11 and whether its performance still meets your needs.
| Choice | Best fit | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 with ESU | A reliable PC that cannot move to Windows 11 yet | Security coverage ends October 12, 2027 |
| Upgrade to Windows 11 | An eligible PC with compatible apps and hardware | Requires adjustment and a supported configuration |
| Buy a new PC | Old, slow, unreliable, or unsupported hardware | Higher cost, but a longer useful support window |
If Windows Update offers Windows 11 and your essential software supports it, upgrading gives the computer a longer supported life. Use our Windows 11 security checklist after the move. If replacement makes more sense, compare hardware with our practical laptop buying guide.
Use Windows 10 Safely Through 2027
- Install updates promptly. Check Windows Update each month and restart to finish installation.
- Keep browsers and apps supported. Remove software that no longer receives security fixes.
- Maintain a separate backup. A current backup helps after drive failure, ransomware, or an unsuccessful update. Follow the 3-2-1 backup plan.
- Protect important accounts. Turn on two-factor authentication, especially for email, banking, and the Microsoft account used for enrollment.
- Plan before the deadline. Decide whether to upgrade or replace the PC before October 2027 rather than waiting until security coverage ends.
Review the current KB5121003 problems and fixes before troubleshooting the August 2026 Windows 11 security update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windows 10 safe to use with ESU?
An enrolled, fully updated Windows 10 PC continues to receive critical and important security updates through October 12, 2027. ESU reduces operating-system risk, but supported apps, backups, strong account security, and careful browsing are still necessary.
Do I have to pay for Windows 10 ESU?
Not always. Microsoft lists a no-additional-cost option for syncing PC settings, a 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points option, and a one-time $30 purchase. The options shown can vary by region.
Do existing ESU users need to enroll again?
No. Microsoft says coverage continues automatically for consumer PCs already enrolled in the program.
Can I enroll more than one PC?
Yes. Microsoft says one consumer ESU license can be used on up to 10 eligible devices linked to the enrollment account.
Will Microsoft 365 still receive updates on Windows 10?
Microsoft says security updates for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 continue through October 10, 2028. Feature support and individual Office product lifecycles can differ, so keep the apps updated and check the lifecycle for your edition.
Does consumer ESU cover a work or school PC?
It is not intended for commercial-use scenarios or devices joined to a domain, Microsoft Entra, or mobile-device-management system. Those devices use commercial or education ESU licensing managed by the organization.
Use the Extra Year to Make a Plan
Windows 10 ESU now gives an enrolled consumer PC security coverage through October 12, 2027. Check the enrollment message in Windows Update, complete enrollment if needed, and continue installing monthly updates.
The extension is useful breathing room, not a permanent support plan. Use it to confirm Windows 11 compatibility, replace unsupported apps, maintain a tested backup, and budget for a new device if the current computer cannot move forward safely.
