Microsoft has extended its support for Windows 10 with an additional year of Extended Security Updates (ESU) for personal devices, extending coverage through October 12, 2027. This announcement was detailed in an addendum to a blog post on June 24, 2025, authored by Yusuf Mehdi, the chief marketing officer of Microsoft’s consumer business.
The extension aims to give customers more time to transition to a new Windows 11 PC while continuing to receive essential security updates. While it applies only to “personal” devices and not corporate PCs, Microsoft has stated its commitment to making the Windows 11 program less difficult for users.
The Extended Security Updates program allows continued use of Windows 10 even as Microsoft dedicates more resources to Windows 11 and its subsequent updates (25H2 and 26H2). However, it is important to note that Microsoft’s general updates to Windows 10 will cease in August 2026 for all consumer customers. Following this date, Microsoft will only apply security fixes to keep the system safe.
Choosing to remain on Windows 10 often stems from user familiarity, as a significant portion of the user base remains suspicious regarding the AI, telemetry, and other changes introduced in Windows 11. In fact, according to StatCounter data since January, Windows 10’s market share in the U.S. has declined from 35 percent to 23 percent.
Users who wish to enroll in the ESU program can do so by backing up their settings to the cloud using Windows 10, earning 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or paying $30 in cash.