Page 8 - Newsletter_October_2026

Microsoft quietly extends Windows 10's extra security
updates program for free: Users can now stay on Win-

dows 10 until October 2027 securely

Windows 10's ESU program has been quietly extended by an extra year, now ending
on October 12, 2027 instead of October 2026.

Microsoft has quietly announced that Windows 10's extended support updates program
will continue for an extra year, now until October 2027 for free if you sign-in to Windows
10 with a Microsoft account.

"Windows 10 support has ended. You can enroll in ESU any time until the programme
ends on 12 October, 2027. If you’re already enrolled, your coverage will automatically
continue through that date—no action needed," says the support page.

All Windows 10 users that are already enrolled in the ESU program will get this extend-
ed year of updates automatically. You can enroll in the program for free by signing in
with a Microsoft account, or pay for access via 1,000 Microsoft reward points or $30
USD.

Microsoft has likely extended support for Windows 10 by an extra year due to the ongo-
ing RAM crisis, which has pushed new PC prices through the roof making them difficult
to justify financially, especially if you already have a working Windows 10 PC.

There are still hundreds of millions of PCs running Windows 10, and with extended
support originally ending this October, many people would have been without the latest
security patches keeping their devices secure.

The Windows 10 ESU program is vital to ensuring a PC that is connected to the inter-
net is secure. Microsoft is still updating Windows 10 with security patches through the
ESU program, and not being enrolled leaves your device open to attackers that might
be trying to exploit vulnerabilities in the Windows 10 OS.
The good news is if you're already enrolled in the program, there's nothing you need to
do to remain supported until October 2027. Your PC will keep getting security updates