Windows 10 gets free security updates until October 2027

Microsoft has moved the end of extended support for Windows 10 for home users: the ESU programme now runs until 12 October 2027 instead of 13 October 2026. For owners of older computers, that means one more year of security updates.

Under the original plan, home PCs were to be left without even this temporary protection from this Wednesday, 14 October. But in the summer Microsoft changed the schedule. The company explained that it wants to give customers more time to move to a Windows 11 computer without losing security updates.

What has actually been extended

Regular support for Windows 10 ended exactly a year ago, on 14 October 2025. Computers did not stop working, but Microsoft stopped standard system fixes and technical support. The first lifeline was ESU, Extended Security Updates. Now the “ten” has survived this second scheduled end as well.

This cannot be called a full return of support. ESU includes only critical and important security fixes: it has no new features, no system improvements and no standard technical support. Microsoft itself presents it as a temporary solution before moving to a newer platform.

How to get the updates for free

For home users in the European Economic Area, including Czechia, ESU is available at no charge. The condition is registration through a Microsoft account, which you then need to use to sign in to Windows. Those who want to stay on a local account can opt for a paid one-off option, but a Microsoft account is still required for buying and registering. Computers that are already enrolled will move to the new term automatically: there is no need to apply again.

First, check your system version: you need the latest one, 22H2. On older versions of Windows 10, you will not be able to use extended support. You can find the version in Settings under System → About. Then sign in to Windows with a Microsoft account; if you have so far used a local user, you will need to create an account on the company’s website.

After that, a notification about the ESU programme should appear in Windows Update: click it and register your device. Later, a message will appear in the same place saying that the computer is taking part in the programme, which means everything is set up correctly and security updates will keep coming for a year longer. If the offer does not appear or you run into problems with registration, you can contact Microsoft support, including online.

Businesses are covered by a different scheme: the commercial programme allows them to receive security updates for up to three years after regular support ends, with the subscription paid annually.

Read also: Extension of temporary protection in Czechia for Ukrainians

Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz