Windows 10 Security Updates Now Run to October 2027 — What to Do Whether You're Enrolled or Not

If you've been seeing headlines that Windows 10 security updates end on October 13, 2026, take a breath. That date has changed.

In June 2026, Microsoft quietly updated its Extended Security Updates (ESU) page: the home-user program now runs until October 12, 2027. That's one more year of security patches for Windows 10 PCs.

Whether you need to do anything depends on one question: did you enroll your PC last year?

Quick refresher: what is ESU?

Microsoft officially ended regular support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After that date, Windows 10 PCs stopped getting security fixes unless they were enrolled in the Extended Security Updates program.

ESU gives you security patches only. There are no new features, no general bug fixes and no Microsoft tech support. It keeps the doors locked, but it doesn't remodel the house.

Part 1: You already enrolled (before October 2025 or any time since)

Good news: you don't need to do anything. Microsoft says enrolled PCs continue automatically through October 12, 2027. That holds no matter how you enrolled: the free backup option, Rewards points or the $30 purchase. No second payment, no re-enrolling.

That said, it's worth spending two minutes confirming your PC is actually enrolled and getting updates. I've seen plenty of machines where someone thought they enrolled but it never finished.

How to check that you're enrolled

1. Click Start, then Settings (the gear icon).
2. Go to Update & Security, then Windows Update. Look at the page:

• If you see a message saying your PC is enrolled in Extended Security Updates, you're set.
• If you see an "Enroll now" link, your PC is not enrolled. Skip to Part 2.

4. For extra peace of mind, click View update history. You should see security updates dated after October 2025. If the newest one is from October 2025, your PC hasn't been getting patches.

Keep it that way

• Check every PC. Enrollment is per computer. Enrolling your desktop doesn't cover your laptop. One license covers up to 10 PCs, but each one has to be added.
• Stay signed in with your Microsoft account. ESU is tied to that account.
• If you used the free backup option, leave Windows Backup turned on. It's the safest bet.
• Keep installing updates when Windows Update offers them.

Part 2: You never enrolled and want to now

You can still enroll, and you should do it soon. If your PC isn't enrolled, it hasn't received a security fix since October 2025. That's a year of known security holes left open on a computer you use for email, banking and shopping.

The fix is easy, and for most people it's free. Enrollment stays open until the program ends in October 2027.

Windows updates are cumulative, so once you're enrolled, the next update brings your PC up to date. You don't have to install a year of patches one at a time.

Step 1: Make sure your PC qualifies

You need:

• Windows 10 version 22H2. To check, press Windows key + R, type winver and press Enter. The box that pops up shows your version.
• Home, Pro, Pro Education or Pro for Workstations edition. The latest updates installed. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Keep installing and restarting until nothing is left.
• A Microsoft account with administrator rights. If you sign in with a local account (just a username and password on the PC), Windows will ask you to sign in with a Microsoft account during enrollment. Child accounts can't enroll. A parent with an admin account on that PC has to do it.

Work and school PCs that your employer manages (domain-joined or managed by IT) can't use the home program. Talk to your IT department instead.

Step 2: Enroll

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click Enroll now.
3. Sign in with your Microsoft account if asked.
4. Pick one of the three options:

• 1. Back up your PC settings (Windows Backup).
• 2. Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
• 3. One-time purchase. $30 + tax.

5. Follow the prompts to finish. When you're done, the Windows Update page should show that your PC is enrolled.
6. Click Check for updates and install whatever shows up.

In Europe (EEA)? ESU is free there with just a Microsoft account sign-in. You don't need the backup, points or payment, but you may need to sign in to your Microsoft account at least once every 60 days to stay covered.

"I don't see the Enroll now link!"

This is the most common problem, and it's almost always one of these:

• Updates aren't finished. Run Windows Update, restart, and run it again. You need the ESU Licensing Preparation Package (KB5126256), which arrives through normal updates. This fixes it more often than anything else.
• Wrong Windows version. Run winver. If it says anything older than 22H2, update first.
• Not an administrator. Sign in with an account that has admin rights.
• Managed by work or school. Those PCs aren't eligible for the home program.

The bigger picture: this is a bridge, not a fix

ESU buys you time. It doesn't make Windows 10 supported forever. Microsoft hasn't announced anything past October 12, 2027, so it's smart to use this extra year to plan your next step:

• Check whether your PC can run Windows 11. Many can, and the upgrade is free. Enrolling in ESU doesn't block you from upgrading later.
• Budget for a replacement if your PC is too old for Windows 11.
• Consider Linux for older hardware that still runs well. It's free, secure and more beginner-friendly than you might think.

The short version

• Already enrolled? You're covered through October 12, 2027. Nothing to do except confirm it's working.
• Not enrolled? Your PC has been unprotected for a year. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Enroll now and pick the free backup option.
• Either way: use this year to plan your move off Windows 10.

Need a hand checking or enrolling your PC? I can do it for you over a quick remote support session. Get in touch.

Information current as of October 2026. Microsoft's official details are on its Windows 10 Extended Security Updates page.