Windows 10 ESU year 2: is your PC covered until October 2027?
Microsoft's consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme for Windows 10 runs until 12 October 2027. Microsoft says that if you're already enrolled, "your coverage will automatically continue through that date", with nothing to do. If you haven't enrolled, you still can, at any time before the programme ends.
Quick answer
Windows 10 support ended on 14 October 2025. Home users can enrol in ESU until 12 October 2027, and enrolled PCs get critical and important security updates through that date. Microsoft says enrolled PCs carry on through that date automatically, with no action needed. Check your status at Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Is there a "year 2" for Windows 10 ESU?
Not on Microsoft's consumer pages, which don't mention a "year 2". The consumer ESU page says the programme ends on 12 October 2027, and that if you're already enrolled, "your coverage will automatically continue through that date". Microsoft's end of support page adds that "ESU updates will only be provided through 12 October, 2027, regardless of when you enroll."
"Year One" and "Year Two" appear on Microsoft Learn's ESU page, which covers organisations and sends individuals and Windows 10 Home customers to the consumer ESU page instead. It says the programme "must be purchased by year", that "Year One starts in November 2025", and that buying in Year Two means paying for Year One too, because ESUs are cumulative. It also says enrolled PCs belonging to a commercial or educational organisation can get updates for a maximum of three years after Windows 10 end of support.
How do I check whether my PC is enrolled?
Microsoft says you can check your enrolment status at any time in Windows Update.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Look for your ESU status. If your PC meets the requirements and isn't enrolled yet, Microsoft says you'll see a link to enrol.
If you bought ESU, Microsoft says you can also see the order in your Order History.
How do I enrol in Windows 10 ESU now?
Microsoft's steps:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Select Enroll now.
- If you sign in to Windows with a local account, you'll be asked to sign in with a Microsoft account.
- Choose one of the options Windows offers you, and follow the prompts.
Microsoft lists three ways to enrol: at no additional cost if you're syncing your PC settings, by redeeming Microsoft Rewards points, or with a one-time purchase. It says your ESU licence can be used on up to 10 devices. To add another PC, go to the same Windows Update page on that PC and select Enroll now, then Add device if it's signed in with the same Microsoft account.
Once any user on a PC enrols, Microsoft says other users on that PC are covered as well.
Which PCs can use the consumer ESU programme?
Microsoft's requirements, from its consumer ESU page:
- Windows 10, version 22H2, in the Home, Professional, Pro Education or Workstations edition.
- The latest Windows update installed.
- The Windows 10 ESU Licensing Preparation Package, KB5126256.
- A Microsoft account that is an administrator account, and not a child account. The ESU licence is tied to the Microsoft account used to enrol.
Microsoft says the consumer programme can't be used in commercial scenarios. Enrolment isn't offered on devices joined to an Active Directory domain or Microsoft Entra, or enrolled in a mobile device management (MDM) solution. For organisations, Microsoft points IT professionals to a separate page on enabling ESU.
Can I get Windows 10 ESU without a Microsoft account?
Not according to Microsoft. Its page says "You will need to sign in to your Microsoft account to enroll in ESU", and that if you usually sign in to Windows with a local account, you may be asked to sign in with a Microsoft account to enrol. The licence is associated with that account.
What does ESU cover, and what doesn't it?
Microsoft says ESU provides "critical and important security updates" for Windows 10, version 22H2, as defined by the Microsoft Security Response Centre. It doesn't include new features, customer-requested non-security updates or technical support, apart from help with activating the ESU licence and installing ESU updates.
Microsoft also says devices "will be more vulnerable and susceptible to viruses and malware before enrollment". On antivirus, its end of support page says that antivirus software can help, but that "it's not enough on its own", because without security updates the operating system remains exposed to new threats. Our guide to free security software for Windows covers what Windows already includes.
Separately, Microsoft says it will keep providing security updates for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 until 10 October 2028.
What should I do before 12 October 2027?
Microsoft's advice for staying protected is to upgrade to Windows 11 for free if your PC is eligible, or to consider a Windows 11 PC if it isn't or you're ready for a new device. It says enrolling in ESU doesn't stop you upgrading to Windows 11 later, if the PC meets the hardware requirements.
Microsoft says Windows 10 PCs continue to function without ESU, but no longer get technical support, feature updates or quality updates, including security fixes. If you're moving to a Mac instead, our guide to moving from Windows to a Mac covers Migration Assistant. For what each kind of protection does, see laptop security software types. Chrome users can also check that their browser is current: see the Chrome 157 security update.
More questions
When does Windows 10 ESU end?
Microsoft says the consumer ESU programme ends on 12 October 2027, and that ESU updates are only provided through that date, whenever you enrol. Windows 10 support itself ended on 14 October 2025.
Do I need to do anything to keep ESU for the second year?
Not for a home PC, according to Microsoft. Its consumer ESU page says that if you're already enrolled, your coverage will automatically continue through 12 October 2027, and no action is needed. Keep installing the updates Windows Update offers.
Is Windows 10 ESU free?
Microsoft lists three ways to enrol, and one is at no additional cost: if you're syncing your PC settings. The others are redeeming Microsoft Rewards points or a one-time purchase. Windows shows you the options when you select Enroll now.
Does my PC stop working after October 2027?
Microsoft says Windows 10 PCs continue to function after support ends. What stops is updates: after 12 October 2027, even enrolled PCs no longer get ESU security updates.
Can I enrol several PCs?
Yes. Microsoft says you can use your existing ESU licence on up to 10 devices. Each extra PC must meet the requirements, and you enrol it from Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update on that PC.