If your computer still runs Windows 10, you have another year of free security updates. Microsoft has moved the end of its consumer Extended Security Updates program from October 2026 to Oct. 12, 2027.
That matters this week because the old end date, October 2026, is still all over the internet, and plenty of people are about to panic-buy a laptop they may not need yet. Here is what changed, who is covered, and how to check your own PC in about two minutes.
What changed?
Windows 10 reached end of support on Oct. 14, 2025. Since then, home users have been able to sign up for Extended Security Updates, or ESU, a program that keeps sending security fixes to Windows 10 PCs while people move to Windows 11.
That program was due to end in October 2026. Microsoft quietly updated its ESU page and now says you can enroll any time until the program ends on Oct. 12, 2027. If you already enrolled, Microsoft says your coverage continues automatically to that date, with nothing for you to do.
Who is covered?
The consumer program is for personal PCs. According to Microsoft’s ESU page, your computer needs to be:
- Running Windows 10, version 22H2, in the Home, Pro, Pro Education or Workstations edition
- Up to date with the latest Windows update
- Signed in with a Microsoft account that is an administrator on the PC, not a child account
Work computers joined to a company domain or managed by an IT department are not covered by the consumer program. Your employer handles those separately.
What does it cost?
There are three ways in, and all of them cover you to the same Oct. 12, 2027 date:
- Free: turn on syncing of your PC settings to your Microsoft account (Windows Backup).
- Free if you have the points: redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
- $30 once: a one-time purchase, plus tax.
We did the math on the paid option. Spread over the roughly 12 months left in the program, $30 works out to about $2.50 a month. One license covers up to 10 PCs on the same Microsoft account, so a family with three old laptops pays $10 per computer, or less than $1 a month each.
How do I check if my PC is already enrolled?
- Open Settings.
- Go to Update & Security, then Windows Update.
- Look at the top of the page. If you are enrolled, your status shows there. If your PC qualifies but is not enrolled, you will see a link to enroll.
- If you bought ESU, the purchase also shows in your Microsoft account order history.
How do I enroll?
- Install any waiting updates first and restart.
- Go to Settings, Update & Security, Windows Update.
- Select Enroll now.
- If you use a local account, Windows asks you to sign in with a Microsoft account.
- Pick the free backup option, Rewards points or the $30 purchase.
- For other PCs on the same account, repeat the steps and select Add device.
If you do not see the enroll link, the usual cause is a missing update or an older version of Windows 10. Run Windows Update until nothing is left, then check again.
Should I upgrade to Windows 11 now or wait?
If your PC can run Windows 11 for free, upgrading is still the long-term fix. ESU only sends security patches. It adds no new features, and the date will come again.
If your PC cannot run Windows 11, the extra year buys you time to shop on your terms. Memory and storage prices are rising, which is pushing up laptop prices, so a rushed purchase this month could cost more than a planned one. Our look at the RAM shortage and what to buy now explains why. If your PC is just slow, try these fixes before buying a new one.
What we don’t know yet
Microsoft has not said whether consumer ESU will be extended again after Oct. 12, 2027. Do not plan on it. Treat October 2027 as the real deadline for moving to Windows 11 or a new computer.
What to do today
- Check your enrollment status in Windows Update.
- If you are not enrolled, enroll using the free backup option.
- Run through our online security checklist while you are at it.
- Put Oct. 12, 2027 in your calendar.
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