Windows 10 ESU, the Extended Security Updates program for home users, now runs until 12 October 2027. Microsoft updated its official page on 25 June 2026 and moved the end date back by one year from the original 13 October 2026. If you are still on Windows 10, you can still enroll, and this guide covers who qualifies, how the three enrollment options differ, and what to do if your PC cannot run Windows 11.
Key dates at a glance
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Windows 10 end of support | 14 October 2025 |
| Original end of consumer ESU | 13 October 2026 |
| Current end of consumer ESU | 12 October 2027 |
Dates come from Microsoft’s own ESU page and press coverage of the June 2026 change. Sources are listed at the end.
What changed in June 2026
When consumer ESU launched, it was a one-year bridge due to stop on 13 October 2026. In late June 2026 Microsoft changed its documentation: the page now says you can enroll any time until the program ends on 12 October 2027, and PCs that were already enrolled continue automatically with no action needed. Many articles online still show the old October 2026 date, so check the date on any guide you read, including this one (see the verification note at the end).
Who qualifies for consumer ESU
Microsoft’s consumer program has a few conditions. Based on Microsoft’s ESU page and reporting on it:
- The PC runs Windows 10 version 22H2 (Home, Pro, Pro Education or Workstations edition) with the latest updates installed.
- You sign in with a Microsoft account that has administrator rights. A child account cannot be used to enroll.
- The PC is not joined to an Active Directory domain or Microsoft Entra ID and is not managed through MDM. Work or school PCs fall under the commercial ESU program, which is separate and paid.
Three ways to enroll in Windows 10 ESU
| Option | Cost | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Sync PC settings with Windows Backup | No extra cost | Your PC settings are backed up to the cloud through your Microsoft account. |
| Redeem Microsoft Rewards points | 1,000 points | Uses points from your Microsoft Rewards balance. |
| One-time purchase | US$30 or the local equivalent | A one-time payment. |
In the European Economic Area, Microsoft dropped those conditions: you only need to be signed in with a Microsoft account, and enrollment is free.
After you enroll, the same ESU license can be used on up to 10 devices signed in with that Microsoft account. Each extra Windows 10 PC still has to meet the eligibility rules above.
How to enroll, step by step
- Install all pending updates so the PC is fully up to date on Windows 10 version 22H2.
- Sign in to Windows with your Microsoft account (an administrator account).
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. On an eligible PC, the ESU enrollment prompt appears there.
- Pick one of the three options above and follow the on-screen steps.
- Open Windows Update again and confirm the PC is checking for updates normally.
Screen wording can differ slightly between Windows 10 builds, so follow what your own PC shows. Microsoft warns that devices are more exposed to viruses and malware before they are enrolled, so it is better not to wait.
What Windows 10 ESU covers, and what it does not
ESU delivers critical and important security updates only. It adds no new features or improvements. Microsoft describes it as a way to keep Windows 10 PCs protected while you move to Windows 11, not as a longer life for Windows 10 itself. When the program ends on 12 October 2027, a Windows 10 PC keeps running, but newly found vulnerabilities stay unpatched.
Should you enroll in Windows 10 ESU or upgrade to Windows 11?
- Your PC supports Windows 11: upgrading is the long-term fix, and Microsoft offers the upgrade through Windows Update to eligible Windows 10 PCs. Microsoft’s published minimums include a compatible 64-bit processor, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, UEFI with Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0. If your PC fails the check, see why you can’t upgrade to Windows 11.
- Your PC does not support Windows 11: enroll in ESU to stay patched until October 2027, then plan a replacement. A lightweight Linux distribution is another option for older hardware; see our list of lightweight Linux distros for old PCs.
Whichever route you choose, back up your files first. If you have an HP laptop, our Windows 10 backup guide walks through the options.
Watch out for fake ESU offers
Windows 10 ESU enrollment happens inside Windows Update on your own PC. Be careful with pop-ups, phone calls, or websites that ask you to pay a third party or install a tool to “unlock” ESU. If something asks for payment outside Microsoft’s own enrollment flow, close it and check Microsoft’s ESU page instead.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 13 October 2026 deadline still valid?
No. Microsoft’s ESU page now says you can enroll any time until the program ends on 12 October 2027, and PCs that were already enrolled continue automatically.
Will Windows 10 stop working when ESU ends?
No. It keeps running, but Microsoft stops issuing security updates for it, so the PC becomes riskier to use online over time.
Is Windows 10 ESU free?
It can be. Syncing your PC settings with Windows Backup costs nothing extra, and in the European Economic Area enrollment is free with a Microsoft account. Otherwise it costs 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or a US$30 one-time payment.
Do I need a Microsoft account?
Yes. Microsoft says a Microsoft account sign-in is required to enroll in consumer ESU.
Sources and verification
Last verified: 25 October 2026. Microsoft can change program terms without much notice, so confirm the current details on Microsoft’s own page before you act.