Windows 10: Security Updates Now Available for a Longer Period

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Support for Windows 10 has actually long expired. However, through the so-called ESU program, users can continue to download security-related updates until October 2026. Microsoft has now surprisingly extended this period.

Users should have started considering how to proceed with their Windows 10 PC after October. At that point, support for the operating system would have officially ended. To clarify: New features have not been available for Windows 10 for a long time. As part of the so-called "Extended Security Updates" (ESU) program, users can continue to receive security-related updates.

Originally, a fee was planned for this. However, after criticism from consumer advocates, Microsoft has made the updates available for free in the European Union since the inception of the ESU program. The computer simply needs to be linked to a Microsoft account. The extended support was originally set to expire in October 2026, but this no longer seems to be the case.

Update Period for Windows 10 Extended

Microsoft has revised a blog post explaining the ESU program and suggesting users switch to the newer Windows 11 operating system. It now states that the program will run until October 12, 2027. A footnote indicates that the post has been updated to highlight the extension of the program. This announcement specifically applies to private customers, allowing them more time to prepare for the transition to a Windows 11 PC. According to Chip, users who are registered for the ESU program do not need to take any further action; they will continue to receive updates automatically. All others can still register retroactively.

In recent months, Windows 11 has faced criticism from users who felt the company overdid it with the integration of AI features. There were even discussions of "Microslop" at one point. Microsoft subsequently announced improvements. Additionally, while updates for Windows 11 close security gaps, they often cause problems with computers. It is unclear whether these circumstances are related to the extension of the ESU program.

Although the market share of Windows 10 has significantly decreased over the year, Statscounter reported that as of May 2026, the system was still installed on more than a quarter (26.2 percent) of all Windows computers registered with the service. In the previous year, it was still at 53.2 percent. Currently, Windows 11 holds a market share of 71.8 percent.

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