Windows 10 end of support: why it's now October 2027
If you have read that Windows 10 home PCs stop getting security updates on October 13, 2026, that date is out of date. Microsoft has extended its consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program by one more year. Enrolled PCs now get security fixes until October 12, 2027.
That matters to a lot of people: Windows 10 still ran on about 30% of Windows desktop computers worldwide in August 2026, according to Statcounter.
The dates at a glance
| Windows 10 support ended | October 14, 2025 |
| Consumer ESU was due to end | October 13, 2026 |
| Consumer ESU now ends | October 12, 2027 |
| Last day to enroll | October 12, 2027 |
What changed
On June 25, 2026, Microsoft quietly updated its ESU documentation and added an editor's note to a Windows blog post: the program for personal devices now runs an extra year. It made no big announcement, which is why many guides still show the 2026 date. BleepingComputer spotted the change, and Microsoft told the site that "moving to a new PC can take time."
Microsoft's own ESU page now says it plainly: if you are already enrolled, your coverage continues through October 12, 2027 with no action needed. If you are not enrolled, you can still join at any time until that date.
How to check your PC
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- If you see an Enroll now link, your PC is not covered yet. Select it and sign in with a Microsoft account.
- Pick one of three ways to pay: free if you back up your PC settings with Windows Backup, 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or a one-time $30 (or the local equivalent, plus tax).
- One ESU license covers up to 10 PCs on the same Microsoft account. On the others, choose Enroll now or Add device in Windows Update.
Rules can differ by region. Microsoft says enrollment options and timing may vary in the European Economic Area, so check the version of its ESU page for your country.
Who can get it
- PCs running Windows 10 version 22H2 (Home, Pro, Pro Education or Pro for Workstations) with the latest updates installed.
- Personal PCs only. Work PCs joined to a company domain or managed by an IT department are left out. Businesses buy a separate, paid ESU.
- You need a Microsoft account with administrator rights. A child account cannot enroll.
ESU brings security fixes only. There are no new features, no other bug fixes and no technical support.
The October 13 date is real, for Windows 11
If you already moved to Windows 11, check your version. Microsoft's release information lists October 13, 2026 as the end of updates for Windows 11 version 24H2 Home and Pro. Those PCs should move to version 25H2 through Windows Update. You can see your version in Settings > System > About.
What to do now
- Already enrolled: nothing. Keep installing updates as they arrive.
- Not enrolled: enroll now. The free route only needs Windows Backup to sync your settings.
- PC meets Windows 11's requirements: Microsoft says the upgrade is free and shows up in Windows Update.
- Planning ahead: Microsoft has not said whether consumer ESU will be extended again. Treat October 12, 2027 as the real last day.
Sources
- Microsoft: Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates and Windows 10 end of support
- Microsoft Learn: Windows 11 release information
- BleepingComputer: Microsoft quietly extends free Windows 10 ESU support to October 2027 (June 25, 2026)
- Statcounter: Desktop Windows version market share, August 2026
