TITLE: Windows 10 Security Updates Expire Tuesday, But Extended Program Offers Lifeline
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Windows 10 Reaches End of Support After Decade of Service
Millions of Windows 10 users face a critical security deadline this Tuesday as Microsoft officially ends mainstream support for the decade-old operating system. According to StatCounter data, Windows 10 still powers approximately 41% of all PCs worldwide—representing up to 400 million computers that will soon become vulnerable to security threats without intervention.
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The termination of security updates creates significant risks for users, particularly those with hardware incompatible with Windows 11. Security vulnerabilities left unpatched could expose systems to malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats that Microsoft will no longer address through regular update channels.
Extended Security Updates Provide Temporary Bridge
Microsoft has established an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program as a stopgap measure for users needing more time to transition. The program guarantees critical security patches through October 13, 2026—providing one additional year of protection while users plan their upgrade path.
“The ESU program is not intended as a long-term solution, but rather as a temporary bridge to stay secure while one migrates to a newer, supported platform,” Microsoft states in its official documentation. This approach mirrors Microsoft’s previous lifecycle management strategies for older Windows versions.
Three Enrollment Paths Available
Users have multiple options to enroll in the Extended Security Updates program:
- Free European enrollment: European users can enroll at no cost, reflecting regulatory requirements in the region
- Windows Backup synchronization: Users worldwide can enroll free by syncing settings to their OneDrive account
- Microsoft Rewards redemption: Alternatively, users can use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points to cover the enrollment cost
- Direct payment: For users outside Europe who prefer not to use the free options, the program costs $30
Pressure Mounted on Microsoft Before Deadline
The transition away from Windows 10 has generated significant concern among users and organizations. As reported by PIRG, hundreds of organizations, elected officials, and businesses had previously called on Microsoft to delay Windows 10’s end-of-support date, citing the massive number of devices that cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware requirements.
This pressure likely influenced Microsoft’s decision to offer the Extended Security Updates program, providing additional time for organizations with legacy systems to budget for and execute hardware upgrades.
How to Enroll in Extended Security Updates
Enrollment requires several preliminary steps:
- Ensure you’re running Windows 10 version 22H2 (the final version)
- Verify you have administrative privileges on your PC
- Install the latest Windows updates, including the August 2025 patch KB5063709
Once prepared, visit Settings > Windows Update and look for messaging indicating “Windows 10 support ends in October 2025” with an option to “Enroll in Extended Security Updates to help keep your device secure.” Clicking the enrollment link launches a wizard that guides users through their chosen enrollment method.
Rollout Appears Gradual Across User Base
Despite the imminent deadline, the enrollment option may not yet be available to all eligible users. During testing, some systems updated with the required patches still didn’t display the enrollment messaging, suggesting Microsoft is gradually rolling out the program across regions and device configurations.
Microsoft confirms that users can enroll at any point before the program concludes in October 2026. Business customers have additional flexibility, with options to purchase up to three years of extended updates for enterprise environments requiring longer transition periods.
The Extended Security Updates program represents Microsoft’s acknowledgment that millions of users cannot immediately transition to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations or organizational constraints. While not a permanent solution, it provides crucial breathing room for users to plan their next steps in an increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape.
