Do This If You Want Another Year of Windows 10 Security Updates

Emily Long Emily Long Freelance Writer ExperienceEmily Long is a freelance writer based in Salt Lake City. After graduating from Duke University, she spent several years reporting on the federal workforce for Government Executive, a publication of Atlantic Media Company, in Washington, D.C. She has nearly a decade of experience as a freelancer covering tech (including issues related to security, privacy, and streaming) as well as personal finance and travel. In addition to Lifehacker, her work has been featured on Wirecutter, Tom’s Guide, and ZDNET. Emily has also worked as a travel guide around the U.S. and as a content editor. She has a masters in social work and is a licensed therapist in Utah. Read Full Bio September 21, 2026 Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google Credit: Michal Krakowiak/Getty Images Key Takeaways Microsoft is offering another year of Windows 10 security updates, pushing the Windows 11 upgrade deadline back to Oct. 12, 2027. If you're already in Microsoft's ESU program, your coverage will automatically continue through Oct. 12, 2027 without any additional action. Other users can enroll in ESU at any time until the program ends next year. Table of Contents If you are still holding on to Windows 10, there's good news: Microsoft is offering another year of security updates, pushing the Windows 11 upgrade deadline back to Oct. 12, 2027. Microsoft officially ended support for the older OS last year but allowed users to join the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program in order to maintain protection against viruses and hackers. ESU coverage was supposed to expire on Oct. 13, 2026, but the company is allowing enrolled Windows 10 users to receive monthly patches for another year—and it's not too late to sign up if you haven't already. You can stay on Windows 10 through Oct. 2027If you're already in Microsoft's ESU program, your coverage will automatically continue through Oct. 12, 2027 without any additional action on your part. If you haven't, though, you can enroll in ESU at any time until the program ends next year. To be eligible, your device must be running Windows 10 version 22H2 Home, Professional, Pro Education, or Workstations editions and have the latest Windows update installed. You must also be signed into a Microsoft account with administrator status. Windows users were originally able to purchase ESU coverage for $30, and Microsoft later added the option to either redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or opt into Windows Backup to get protection for free. To check your coverage or sign up, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and look for an ESU enrollment link (visible if your device is eligible). Follow the prompts to sign into your Microsoft account and choose your enrollment option. If you've already purchased an ESU license, you can apply it to up to 10 devices running Windows 10 as long as they are linked to your Microsoft account. What do you think so far? The ESU program does not include any new features or non-security updates, but if you want to stay on Windows 10, it's highly recommended that you enroll in the program. Microsoft has started pushing hundreds of critical security fixes each month—a handful of which have been actively exploited zero-days—so you should ensure your device stays protected for as long as possible. Lifehacker has been a go-to source of tech help and life advice since 2005. Our mission is to offer reliable tech help and credible, practical, science-based life advice to help you live better. Our Mission Our Team Newsletter © 2001-2026 Ziff Davis, LLC., A ZIFF DAVIS COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Lifehacker is a federally registered trademark of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of Lifehacker. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant.