Still using Windows 10? Microsoft extends security updates until 2027 — how to enrol for free
Microsoft has quietly given Windows 10 users a welcome lifeline, stretching its Extended Security Update (ESU) programme by an extra year. The new deadline is now October 12, 2027, rather than the original October 2026 cutoff.
If you missed the memo, the US tech firm pulled the plug on its immensely popular Windows 10 operating system late last year, marking the end of a decade of support.
Microsoft updated its support page with the statement: "Windows 10 support has ended. You can enroll in ESU any time until the programme ends on October 12, 2027. If you're already enroled, your coverage will automatically continue through that date—no action needed."
If you haven't taken action to updating your device, you're leaving yourself vulnerable to an increased risk of malware, ransomware, cyberattacks, and worse. That's because, without regular security updates and bug fixes from Microsoft, there's nothing to stop criminals from exploiting vulnerabilities unearthed within the operating system.
Over 26% of users still rely on Windows 10, according to Statcounter — equaling many who could be operating devices without vital security updates.
For everyday users, Microsoft charges £22 ($30) for its Extended Security Updates (ESU) scheme. For commercial organisations, the cost escalates quickly. Businesses will need to spend around £45 ($61) per device for the first year. That price doubles every consecutive year, for a maximum of three years.
However, there are ways to enjoy the additional security offered by the Extended Security Updates (ESU) without paying that fee — even if you live outside of the European Union.
Microsoft Rewards points – Cash in 1,000 points from Microsoft's loyalty scheme to get one year of protection. You earn these points by using Microsoft's various services. For example, downloading the Bing app will unlock 500 points, while playing games via Xbox Game Pass will net another 500 points each month.
OneDrive backup – Perform a Windows Backup via OneDrive. This option is free, though there's a catch. You only get 5GB of storage without paying, so if your backup exceeds that, you'll need to purchase additional space. Fortunately, you can control what syncs to stay within that free limit. Head to your OneDrive settings and toggle off folders like Documents, Pictures, and Videos if you don't need them stored in the cloud.
The programme is currently available to all individual users with Windows 10 devices running version 22H2 — the final update for the desktop operating system rolled out earlier this month. You'll find the enrolment wizard for the Extended Security Update in the Settings menu.
However, ESU isn't quite the same as full Windows 10 support.
The programme covers essential security updates only. You won't receive any shiny new features or access to Microsoft's technical support team. It's a pretty barebones experience.
Think of it as basic protection rather than comprehensive care. The updates focus solely on plugging security holes that hackers might exploit to access your system.
For many users, that's perfectly adequate. You can continue using your computer safely for everyday tasks like browsing, emails, and working on documents without worrying about major security breaches.
With new computer prices soaring, it may be ideal to take advantage of ESU's extended deadline instead of upgrading to a Windows 11 device.
The reason? There's been a massive demand from Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centres, which are gobbling up huge quantities of available memory chips. This leaves less supply for various devices like laptops, tablets, mobiles, and more.
Apple recently bumped up its laptop prices, and Microsoft has raised Xbox console costs for the second time globally in a year, pointing directly at the memory shortage as the culprit.