Redmond: Microsoft has extended its Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme by an additional year, allowing eligible users to continue receiving critical security updates until October 2027.
The extension comes despite Microsoft’s continued push for users to upgrade to Windows 11. The company had previously announced that Windows 10 support would end and advised users whose computers do not meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements to either enrol in the ESU programme or replace their devices.
The ESU programme, first introduced in 2025 following user feedback, was originally scheduled to end in October 2026. With the latest extension, eligible Windows 10 users will receive security patches for another year, helping protect older PCs from newly discovered security vulnerabilities.
While the programme continues to provide important security updates, Microsoft has reiterated that upgrading to Windows 11 remains its recommended long-term option for users seeking the latest features, performance improvements and ongoing support.
The extended security updates are expected to benefit millions of Windows 10 users who are unable to upgrade because of hardware limitations or who plan to continue using older devices for the time being.
