Windows 10 gets free security updates extended until 2026

VHO - Microsoft unexpectedly extended free security updates for Windows 10 until October 2026 in Europe, giving users more time to prepare for the upgrade.

Windows 10 will officially reach the end of mainstream support on October 14, 2025, when Microsoft will stop providing new functionality updates, non-security bug fixes, and technical support to general users. However, the company has implemented the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program that allows devices to continue receiving important security patches after the operating system reaches the end of support.

Photo credit: Zac Bowden | Windows Central)

It's worth noting that Microsoft has just made an important change: in countries of the European Economic Area (EEA), Windows 10 users will enjoy an additional year of free security updates, that is, until October 14, 2026. This is a policy reversal from the previous plan, which required paying a fee or meeting a number of complicated conditions.

Free but with conditions

Although free, to enjoy ESU, users must sign in with a Microsoft account (MSA) and stay signed in for up to 60 days to keep it active. If the account is not used during this period, the user must sign in again to reactivate ESU.

Outside the EEA, the other requirements remain the same. Users can choose to enable data syncing using a Microsoft account, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points for free ESU access. Microsoft also offers a paid option for those who don't meet these requirements. For business customers, the ESU program can be extended for up to three years, until 2028.

Important: ESU provides only critical security patches, and does not include new features, regular bug fixes, or full technical support from Microsoft.

Two ways to get free updates until October 2026

Windows 10 users can now access ESU for free in two ways:

Sign in and sync your Microsoft account

When you sign in with a Microsoft account and enable settings sync, your system will automatically be enabled for free ESU updates until October 2026.

Redeem Microsoft Rewards points

Users who don't want to enable sync can use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points to redeem security updates.

However, to be eligible, the device needs to be upgraded to the latest version of Windows 10 (22H2) and fully updated before the end of mainstream support in October 2025. Microsoft has also released a patch to fix a bug that prevented some users from enrolling in ESU, ensuring more devices can access the program.

Options for Windows 10 users

After October 2025, Windows 10 users will face some important choices:

Upgrade to Windows 11 if your hardware meets the requirements. This is the safest and most permanent solution, ensuring you get both new features and security.

Stay on Windows 10 with ESU to stay on security patches for at least another year, or up to three years with the paid enterprise version.

Switch to another operating system like Linux or ChromeOS Flex, especially for devices that can't upgrade to Windows 11.

Accept the security risk if you continue using Windows 10 after the ESU ends without upgrading or changing the operating system.

Microsoft's extension of free updates for another year is considered a positive move, giving users more time to prepare for the transition. However, this is only a temporary solution, and users still need to plan for an upgrade to ensure long-term security for their devices.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/nhip-song-so/windows-10-duoc-gia-han-cap-nhat-bao-mat-mien-phi-den-2026-170372.html