Windows 10 gets yet another year of life as Microsoft extends security updates into 2027

20 hours ago 24

Windows 10 launch event screen with shadow of presenter in front of it

Good news if you're one of the die-hards still clinging to Windows 10: Microsoft has added another year to its Extended Security Updates, meaning the axe won't fall until October 2027.

Microsoft announced in 2024 that support for Windows 10 would be wrapped up in October 2025, bringing an effective end to one of the good Windows and not-so-gently nudging us all onto one of the sucky ones.

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But then a reprieve was granted: For $30, or free if you're lucky, those who wanted to stay with a good Windows could purchase "Extended Security Updates," which keeps security updates from Microsoft flowing for another year. Feature updates are dead and done either way, but the ESU program at least ensures that Windows 10 PCs are protected from malware, ransomware, and other such headaches that exist in the online world.

The ESU program was set to last for a year from the end of Windows 10 support—so, October 2026—but as noticed by Windows Central, the ESU page has now been updated and indicates that the program will run until October 2027. Those who are already enrolled in the program will get the by default, and—if you had to pay for the ESU—at no extra charge.

That's pretty fantastic news. There are still a lot of Windows 10 users out there: The Steam Hardware and Software Survey reports that 24% of respondents are still rocking with Win10 64 bit, and that's a substantial audience.

Nor are people just being difficult about it: Windows 10 is objectively better than Windows 11, sure, but Win11's more demanding hardware requirements mean it won't install on some older hardware, or that owners of said rigs have to rely on external tools like Rufus to make it happen.

The obvious solution to that problem when the 2026 deadline was set was "it's time for a new PC," but then the Rampocalypse happened and suddenly we were all left with the grim knowledge that we're probably gonna be riding this pony for a lot longer than we'd expected. And, rather like motherboard makers deciding it's time for a DDR3 comeback, Microsoft may have concluded that forcing people into an ultra-expensive upgrade they don't want to make is trouble it doesn't need—especially since Microsoft bears no small amount of responsibility for making hardware upgrades so damned expensive in the first place.

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Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.