Good news if your PC still runs Windows 10. Microsoft has quietly extended the free Windows 10 ESU (Extended Security Updates) program for home users by one more year, so security patches will now continue until October 12, 2027 instead of stopping on October 13, 2026.
If you already enrolled, you do not need to do anything. If you never enrolled, your PC may stop getting security fixes, and that is risky for banking, UPI and online shopping. This guide shows how to check your status and enroll in Windows 10 ESU for free in a few simple steps.
What Changed: Windows 10 ESU Now Runs Till 2027
Mainstream support for Windows 10 ended in October 2025. To give people more time, Microsoft offered consumers one year of Extended Security Updates, ending on October 13, 2026. In late June 2026, Microsoft updated its documentation to push the consumer end date to October 12, 2027.
| Detail | Before | Now |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer ESU end date | October 13, 2026 | October 12, 2027 |
| Already enrolled users | Covered till 2026 | Automatically covered till 2027 |
| Cost | Free, 1,000 Rewards points or $30 | Same options |
| Devices per licence | Up to 10 | Up to 10 |
The extension was rolled out quietly through support page updates rather than a big announcement, which is why many users have not heard about it.
What Is Windows 10 ESU?
Windows 10 ESU is a paid-or-free bridge program that delivers only critical and important security updates to Windows 10 computers after official support ends. It does not add new features, bug fixes for non-security issues, or technical support from Microsoft.
In simple words, Windows 10 ESU keeps the door locked, but does not renovate the house. Your PC stays protected against newly discovered security flaws, which matters because attackers often target older systems once patches stop.
Who Can Enroll? Requirements Checklist
Before you start, make sure your PC meets these conditions:
- Windows 10 version 22H2 (older versions must update first).
- Home, Pro, Pro Education or Pro for Workstations edition.
- All the latest Windows updates installed.
- Signed in with a Microsoft account that has administrator rights. Local accounts need to switch, at least during enrollment.
- Not a child account (child accounts are not eligible).
To check your version, press Windows + R, type winver and press Enter. The pop-up will show “Version 22H2” if you are on the right build.
How to Enroll in Windows 10 ESU for Free
Microsoft offers three ways to get Windows 10 ESU. Two of them are free.
Option 1: Free With Windows Backup (Recommended)
- Open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
- Look for the message “Windows 10 support has ended” with an Enroll now link and click it.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account if asked.
- Choose the option to Back up your PC settings using Windows Backup.
- Click Enroll and wait for the confirmation screen.
This syncs your settings to OneDrive. The free 5GB of OneDrive storage is usually enough for settings backup alone.
Option 2: Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards Points
If you use Bing or play on Xbox, you may already have Rewards points. Choose the Rewards option on the enrollment screen to redeem 1,000 points instead of turning on backup.
Option 3: One-Time Purchase
You can also pay a one-time fee of $30 (plus local taxes, charged in rupees in India). This option does not require backup or Rewards points.
One licence covers up to 10 PCs signed in with the same Microsoft account, so a family can protect several old laptops with a single enrollment.
How to Check If Your PC Is Already Enrolled
- Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
- If enrolled, you will see a message saying your PC is enrolled in Extended Security Updates.
- Click Check for updates. Security updates labelled for Windows 10 should continue to arrive every month.
Users who enrolled in 2025 or early 2026 are automatically covered till October 12, 2027. No re-enrollment is needed.
Enroll Button Not Showing? Easy Fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| No “Enroll now” link | Install all pending updates and restart, then check again |
| Using a local account | Switch to a Microsoft account in Settings → Accounts |
| Older Windows 10 version | Update to 22H2 through Windows Update |
| Work or school PC | Managed PCs use the business ESU program; contact your IT team |
| Enrollment fails | Check internet, sign out and sign in again, and retry later |
Some users see the enrollment link only a few days after installing the latest cumulative update, so be patient after updating.
What to Do Before 2027 Ends
Windows 10 ESU is a temporary bridge, not a permanent fix. Use the extra year to plan your next step:
- Check Windows 11 compatibility: Install the PC Health Check app from Microsoft to see if your PC can upgrade for free.
- Upgrade if eligible: The Windows 11 upgrade is free on supported hardware and keeps your files.
- Check your battery and storage: If your laptop is very old, a new device may be cheaper than repairs. Our laptop battery health check guide helps you decide.
- Back up important files: Keep photos and documents on an external drive or cloud storage.
- Keep apps updated: Browsers like Chrome and Edge, and antivirus tools, will keep supporting Windows 10 for a while, but not forever.
Windows 10 ESU vs Upgrading to Windows 11
Should you stay on Windows 10 ESU or move to Windows 11 now? This quick comparison will help you decide.
| Factor | Stay on Windows 10 ESU | Upgrade to Windows 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (backup or Rewards) or $30 | Free on compatible hardware |
| Security updates | Until October 12, 2027 | Ongoing |
| New features | None | Regular feature updates, including Copilot tools |
| Hardware needed | Works on most existing PCs | TPM 2.0, supported CPU, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage |
| Learning curve | No change | Small changes to Start menu and Settings |
| Best for | Older PCs, shop billing systems, elderly users | Compatible PCs and anyone who wants long-term support |
If your PC is compatible, upgrading to Windows 11 is the better long-term choice. If it is not, Windows 10 ESU gives you a safe year to save for a new device.
5 Extra Tips to Keep a Windows 10 PC Safe
- Keep Microsoft Defender on: It continues to receive security intelligence updates. Check it in Windows Security.
- Use a modern browser: Keep Chrome, Edge or Firefox updated, since most attacks come through the browser.
- Avoid cracked software: Pirated programs and “free activators” are a common source of malware.
- Turn on two-step verification: Protect your Microsoft, Google and banking accounts with OTP or an authenticator app.
- Do not use an admin account daily: Create a standard user account for everyday use to limit damage if something goes wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windows 10 ESU free?
Yes, you can get Windows 10 ESU for free by enabling Windows Backup to sync your settings, or by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. A paid $30 option is also available.
When does Windows 10 ESU end now?
For consumers, the program now ends on October 12, 2027, one year later than the original October 13, 2026 date.
I already enrolled. Do I need to enroll again?
No. Microsoft says existing enrollments are automatically extended to the new end date.
Will my PC stop working after ESU ends?
No. Your PC will keep working, but it will no longer get security updates, which makes it riskier to use online.
Does Windows 10 ESU give new features?
No. It only provides critical and important security updates.
Can I use a local account after enrolling?
A Microsoft account is required to enroll and keep the licence active, so keep at least one admin Microsoft account on the PC.
Final Thoughts
The Windows 10 ESU extension gives home users one more year of safe computing at no cost. If you have not enrolled yet, take five minutes today to do it through Windows Update, and use the extra time to plan a Windows 11 upgrade or a new laptop. For more simple PC guides, explore our Guides section.
