Windows 10 Security Updates Extended to October 2027, What You Need to Know

Microsoft has extended security support for eligible Windows 10 PCs through October 2027. This gives customers more time to plan a move to Windows 11, but Extended Security Updates (ESU) must be set up correctly to keep receiving security protection.

What are Windows 10 Extended Security Updates?

Windows 10 reached the end of normal support on 14 October 2025. The ESU programme provides eligible devices with important and critical security updates beyond that date, currently through 12 October 2027. ESU does not add new features or provide general technical support.

Who can qualify?

Consumer enrolment is intended for eligible personal devices running the final Windows 10 release, version 22H2. The device must be fully updated and use a Microsoft account with administrator access. Business-managed, domain-joined or Microsoft Entra-joined devices may need commercial ESU licensing instead.

If you enrolled last year

If your PC was already enrolled in the earlier ESU period, check Windows Update to confirm that protection remains active and that the device is receiving updates. Keep automatic updates enabled and restart when requested.

If you did not enrol last year

You should first install every available Windows 10 update and restart the computer. Then open Settings, select Update & Security, choose Windows Update and look for the Extended Security Updates enrolment option. Follow the on-screen instructions and select the available enrolment route for your device and region.

Before you start

• Confirm that Windows 10 is version 22H2.

• Install all pending updates and restart the PC.

• Sign in with an eligible Microsoft account with administrator access.

• Make sure the computer is not managed by a business domain or mobile-device-management system if you are using consumer enrolment.

• Back up important files before making changes.

• Check Windows Update afterwards to confirm that ESU enrolment is active.

What ESU does not include

ESU is designed to provide security updates only. It does not include new Windows features, non-security improvements or unlimited technical support. Microsoft recommends moving to Windows 11 on compatible hardware, or replacing an unsupported PC, before ESU ends.

Need help?

If you are unsure whether your computer qualifies, or you cannot see the enrolment option, contact Forest Edge Computer Services for advice before making changes. We can check your Windows version, update status and upgrade options.