Windows 10 Security Updates Now Run to October 2027: What It Means and What to Do

Microsoft ended normal support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025, but home users can still get security updates through Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme. Microsoft has now extended it: the consumer programme runs until 12 October 2027. Here is what that means for your PC or laptop, and what to do before the updates stop for good.

What changed in 2026

The consumer ESU programme was first planned to last one year, ending in October 2026. Microsoft has since extended it by a year. Its Extended Security Updates page now says the programme ends on 12 October 2027, and you can still enrol until then.

• If your PC is already enrolled, you don’t need to do anything. Enrolled devices carry on to the new date automatically.
• If your PC is not enrolled, it is not getting security updates at the moment, and it is more exposed to viruses and scams every month it stays that way.
• ESU gives critical and important security updates only, for Windows 10 version 22H2. It doesn’t bring new features or general fixes.

How to check where your PC stands

1. Open Windows Update. Go to Start → Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update. If the PC is enrolled in ESU, it says so here. If it isn’t, you’ll usually see an option to enrol.
2. Check your version. Press the Windows key + R, type winver and press Enter. ESU only covers version 22H2, so install any waiting updates first.
3. Check whether it can run Windows 11. Microsoft’s free PC Health Check app tells you whether the PC meets the Windows 11 requirements. Many PCs from the last few years can upgrade for free, but plenty of older ones can’t.

How home users enrol in ESU

At the time of writing there are three ways for a home PC to qualify, all set up from Windows Update:

• Back up your PC settings to a Microsoft account with the Windows Backup app (no charge).
• Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
• Pay a one-off fee to Microsoft.

You need to be signed in with a Microsoft account that is an administrator on the PC. Microsoft can change these terms, so check what Windows Update shows on your own PC. Work PCs that are joined to a company domain or managed by an IT department use a different, paid route.

Your options before October 2027

ESU buys time, but Microsoft hasn’t announced anything for home users after October 2027. Use the time to plan a move rather than leaving it until the last week.

• Upgrade to Windows 11 for free if PC Health Check says your PC is compatible. Back up your files first.
• Upgrade an older laptop if it is compatible but slow. An SSD upgrade (from £139 including a fresh Windows install) can make a tired laptop feel much quicker.
• Replace a PC that can’t run Windows 11. If it is too old, a new or good used laptop is usually the sensible choice. See buying a laptop or tablet.
• Don’t throw the old one in a drawer. Get your photos and documents moved across, then sell it or have it disposed of securely with the data destroyed.

For more on upgrading, see Windows 11 free updates: are they possible?

Help from ITS4UK

If you’d rather not do this yourself, Daniel can check your PC, tell you honestly whether it is worth upgrading, and do the work. Diagnosis is free, and you get a fixed price before any work starts.

• Checking a PC is enrolled in ESU and fully up to date.
• Windows 11 upgrades, with your files and programs checked afterwards.
• Moving your files, photos and email to a new laptop, and setting it up ready to use.
• Home call-outs and patient help for anyone who finds this confusing. See evening and home call-out appointments.

The workshop is at 27 Newport Road, North Cave (HU15 2NU), about 20 minutes from Hull city centre. Repairs come with a 90-day guarantee on parts and labour. Get in touch or call 07927 915560.

Questions

Will my Windows 10 PC stop working in October 2027?

No. It will keep switching on and running as normal, but it will stop getting security updates. Over time that makes it riskier to use for email, banking and shopping.

Is my antivirus enough without Windows updates?

Antivirus helps, but it doesn’t fix security holes in Windows itself. Keeping Windows updated, through ESU or by moving to Windows 11, matters as well.

Should I buy a new computer now?

Not necessarily. If your PC is enrolled in ESU it is covered until October 2027. If it can run Windows 11, an upgrade may be all you need. Get it checked first so you don’t spend money you don’t have to.