Microsoft has extended support for its Windows 10 operating system for another year. Security updates, previously announced to end on October 14, 2025, will now be offered free of charge to all eligible individual users. This decision was made in conjunction with the expansion of the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which previously only covered Insider users.
Windows 10 update support officially extended
The ESU program was previously known as a paid support package available only to enterprise customers. However, with the latest update, Microsoft has made this support available to all users. With the new system, users must complete some basic steps on their Windows 10 devices. These steps include backing up device settings to the cloud by associating them with a Microsoft account.
To simplify this process, the company has integrated a new registration wizard into the Windows Settings menu and notification panel. Registration can be completed in a few steps, and users can participate in the ESU program by taking advantage of up to 5GB of free backup space via OneDrive. This allows users to continue receiving additional security patches without paying any fees.
The extended support package covers only security patches. Updates that include new features or fix existing bugs are excluded from this package. With this move, Microsoft aims to smooth the transition for Windows 10 users.
Users planning to purchase a new computer or upgrade to Windows 11 will have more flexibility with this additional period. Extending the support period is a critical development, especially for users who want to keep their older devices for a while longer.
