Microsoft extends Windows 10 support for another year: what you need to know

Good news for those of you who have yet to upgrade to Windows 11: You're going to get another year of reprieve.

Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 in October 2025, but you could sign up for the Extended Security Update (ESU) program, which will keep support going through October 13, 2026.

At that point, support was going to be cut off for good. However, that's changed thanks to a quiet change Microsoft introduced this week and spotted by GSMArena. The new end date has been extended to October 12, 2027.

RAM crisis relief

I can't find anything beyond the FAQ page, but Microsoft hasn't really promoted this update. The company is desparate for people to upgrade to Windows 11, something users have avoided because of core problems with the operating system.

Still, this is extra breathing room for people who haven't upgraded. Plus, it alleviates the need to purchase a new laptop, just as every tech company is raising prices due to the ongoing memory shortage.

PC makers have been ringing the warning bell since early 2026, with Lenovo saying "Buy it soon as you can" in February.

Apple just raised prices on its laptops and Microsoft hiked Xbox console prices for the third time in a year while blaming the memory shortage this week.

With purchasing power becoming untenable, even a year is a nice break.

How to sign up for the ESU

To sign up for the ESU program, your device needs to run Windows 10, version 22H2 Home, Professional, Pro Education or Workstations edition. It also needs to have the latest Windows update installed.

You need to have a Microsoft account that is an administrator.

There's no cost if you sync your PC settings. You can also redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or make a one-time $30 purchase.

To get the ESU running you can go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. If you meet the requirements you should see an Enroll Now button for ESU.

You can extend the ESU license on up to 10 devices.

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