If you enrolled a Windows 10 PC in Extended Security Updates (ESU), you may have seen notices saying security updates end in October 2026. Microsoft's Korean-language Windows 10 consumer ESU page now gives a different date: "You can enroll in ESU at any time until the program ends on October 12, 2027. If you are already enrolled, coverage automatically continues through that date and no action is needed."
Where the date change comes from
The change is recorded in an editor's note added to a June 24, 2025 post on Microsoft's Windows Experience Blog. The editor's note dated June 25, 2026 says the Windows 10 ESU program for personal use devices is being provided for an additional year, with coverage through October 12, 2027. The body of the same post also gives ESU coverage for personal devices as October 15, 2025 through October 12, 2027. Notices and articles published before the extension may still say October 2026. Support for Windows 10 itself ended on October 14, 2025.
"If you are already enrolled" — nothing to do
The page says coverage for devices already enrolled continues automatically through October 12, 2027, with no action needed. There are three ways to enroll: at no additional cost if you sync (back up) your PC settings, by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or by a one-time purchase of $30 (or the local-currency equivalent, plus tax). The page says the enrollment options all provide security updates through October 12, 2027. If you enrolled for $30, you do not need to pay again.
To check whether your PC is enrolled, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. If you enrolled by purchase, the order also appears in your Microsoft account's order history.
"You can enroll at any time" — conditions for unenrolled PCs
If you have not enrolled, you can do so until October 12, 2027. Once enrolled, the page says, the device receives all critical updates released after Windows 10 support ended. The device must meet these requirements.
- Windows 10 version 22H2, Home, Professional, Pro Education or Workstations edition
- The latest Windows updates installed, including the Windows 10 ESU license preparation package (KB5126256)
- The Microsoft account used to sign in must be an administrator account and must not be a child account. A PC used with a local account may prompt you to sign in with a Microsoft account.
Devices in kiosk mode, devices joined to an Active Directory domain or Microsoft Entra, and devices enrolled in MDM are not eligible for consumer ESU. However, the page notes separately that devices registered with Microsoft Entra, unlike those joined to it, can use consumer ESU. Organizations that need to enable ESU follow Microsoft's separate guidance for IT professionals. One ESU license can be used on up to 10 devices, and additional devices are enrolled from the Windows Update screen with the same Microsoft account. If several people use one PC, one user's enrollment also protects the other users of that PC.
What ESU does not provide
ESU provides only critical and important security updates as defined by the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC). The page says it does not provide other types of fixes, feature improvements, product improvements or technical support.
Some points the sources do not answer. Current official guidance says nothing about whether consumer ESU will be extended again after October 12, 2027. The blog post adds that enrollment options and timing may vary by region, such as the European Economic Area (EEA), but the Korean page does not list separate conditions for Korea. Even while enrolled in ESU, a PC that meets the hardware requirements can be upgraded to Windows 11.