Microsoft has announced that it will extend protection for Windows 10 users through a new security update plan. The move gives millions of users more time to stay protected beyond the official end of support in 2025.
A Lifeline After End of Support
Windows 10 is scheduled to reach its official end of support on 14 October 2025. After that date, the operating system would normally stop receiving security patches. But Microsoft will now offer extended protection through its Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme.
The programme will provide critical and important security updates for eligible devices for up to three additional years. It gives users more time to upgrade or transition without losing essential protection.
What the Extended Plan Covers
The ESU programme focuses on maintaining security, not adding new features. Eligible devices running Windows 10 version 22H2 will continue to receive regular patches after 2025.
Key elements include:
-
Security updates until at least October 2026.
-
Availability for both individuals and organisations.
-
No feature upgrades or new functionality.
-
No non-security bug fixes.
This approach mirrors Microsoft’s past ESU offers for older systems, but with broader availability to individual users, not just enterprise customers.
Access, Cost, and Conditions
Microsoft is offering several ways to enrol in the programme. Users can sign in with a Microsoft account, redeem reward points, or make a one-time payment.
In Europe, some users may qualify for free access without additional requirements. Microsoft has also set conditions to maintain access, including periodic account sign-ins.
The ESU licence can cover multiple devices linked to the same account, making it a practical option for households or small businesses.
Security Versus Strategy
Extending Windows 10 protection buys time for users, but it does not replace the need to upgrade. Once ESU ends, devices that remain on Windows 10 will face higher security risks.
The extension also reflects the slow pace of migration to Windows 11. Many users still rely on older hardware that does not meet Windows 11’s system requirements. By offering ESU, Microsoft is managing this transition more gradually.
A Countdown to the Final Phase
For users, the extended protection is a short-term safety net. It allows more time to prepare for an eventual upgrade or hardware replacement. For Microsoft, it ensures that millions of devices remain secured while the company pushes forward with its Windows 11 ecosystem.
The company has signalled that the ESU programme will end after the extension period, emphasising that Windows 10 will not remain supported indefinitely.
For many users, this may be the final push to make the transition to newer systems before the window closes.
