Windows 10 support officially ends for most consumers in October 2025, but reports indicate there are legit ways to keep receiving security updates through October 2026 without paying the standalone ESU fee—if you qualify. In this weekend tech news analysis, we explain what’s changing, who’s eligible, and how to activate extended protection safely. We’ll also outline alternatives if you don’t qualify, plus the risks of staying on Windows 10 in 2026.
What’s new: Free Windows 10 security updates through October 2026
Security updates for Windows 10 Home and Pro end on October 14, 2025. After that, Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program provides critical and important security fixes. Traditionally, ESU required paid licensing for businesses. However, recent reporting highlights two paths that can extend Windows 10 security updates at no additional charge through October 2026—if you meet specific eligibility criteria.
Before you proceed, note that “security updates” here means OS-level patches for vulnerabilities—not feature updates. You won’t receive new Windows 10 features; you’ll receive security-only fixes.
Timeline at a glance
- October 14, 2025: End of support for Windows 10 Home/Pro (no more free updates).
- October 2025–October 2026: ESU year 1 period (security-only updates via ESU paths).
- After October 2026: Plan to be off Windows 10 entirely (or in a special long-term channel).
Who qualifies for no-additional-cost ESU—and how it works
According to industry reporting (see sources below) and Microsoft program documentation, two broad categories can keep Windows 10 patched through October 2026 without purchasing consumer ESU directly, provided the device and tenant meet program terms. Details can vary by contract and SKU, so always confirm with official Microsoft documentation and your licensing provider.
Path 1: Eligible Microsoft cloud-managed environments
Certain Microsoft-managed environments can include ESU rights for Windows 10 devices through October 2026 at no extra cost beyond the subscription you’re already paying. Historically, Microsoft granted ESU coverage for devices enrolled in specific managed scenarios, such as:
- Windows 365 Cloud PC subscriptions that confer ESU benefits to the user’s primary local Windows 10 device
- Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) environments with licensed users accessing a Windows 10 device
Program specifics matter: eligibility can depend on exact SKUs, tenant configuration, and whether a device is properly enrolled and compliant. Always verify the current ESU entitlement language for your subscription in Microsoft’s documentation or admin center before relying on this path.
Path 2: Enterprise/Education tenants with qualifying licenses
Large organizations and education institutions with certain Microsoft 365 or Windows entitlements may receive ESU coverage for Windows 10 devices as part of their existing agreements through October 2026. The exact terms depend on your volume licensing, agreement type, and Microsoft’s current ESU program rules. Your Microsoft account team or licensing partner can confirm whether your tenant includes Windows 10 ESU rights for year one (through Oct 2026) at no additional cost.
Important: The above paths are based on current reporting and Microsoft program patterns. Eligibility can differ by tenant, SKU, and region. Always confirm your specific entitlements in writing.
How to check your eligibility
Use this quick checklist to verify whether your device qualifies for Windows 10 ESU through October 2026 without additional fees.
- Identify your tenant and subscription
- Are you part of an organization with Microsoft 365 E3/E5, Business Premium, Education A3/A5, or similar?
- Do you use Windows 365 Cloud PC or Azure Virtual Desktop?
- Check Microsoft documentation for ESU entitlements
- Review your subscription’s ESU language in the Microsoft Admin Center or official docs.
- Confirm ESU applies to “local Windows 10 devices” under your plan and until October 2026.
- Confirm device enrollment and compliance
- Ensure your device is enrolled in the relevant tenant and compliant (Intune or your MDM).
- Sign in with your licensed organizational account if required.
- Validate update delivery
- After the October 2025 end date, confirm that security updates continue arriving via Windows Update, WSUS, or your endpoint management system.
How to enable ESU coverage (if you’re eligible)
Implementation varies by organization, but these are the common steps administrators follow.
Step-by-step for admins
- Verify subscription rights: Confirm your tenant’s ESU coverage for Windows 10 devices through October 2026.
- Enroll devices: Ensure Windows 10 PCs are onboarded to Intune/MDM or your chosen management stack, signed in with licensed users as required.
- Configure update rings: Use Windows Update for Business (WUfB) or WSUS to target security updates and defer feature updates.
- Monitor compliance: Track update deployment, health, and error codes. Investigate devices that stop receiving security patches.
- Document your coverage: Keep written confirmation of ESU entitlements and your rollout plan for audits and continuity.
How to check on a device
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Select “View update history” and confirm security updates arrive after October 2025.
- If managed by IT, verify policies in Settings > Accounts > Access work or school.
What if you don’t qualify? Your options
If your device or tenant doesn’t qualify for free ESU coverage, you still have safe paths forward.
- Purchase ESU coverage (year 1): Consumers and small businesses can typically buy a yearly ESU subscription for security-only updates.
- Upgrade to Windows 11: If your PC meets requirements, upgrading is the simplest long-term solution.
- Replace or repurpose hardware: New hardware ensures support and performance; older PCs can be repurposed for Linux or light duty.
- Move to cloud-based Windows: Windows 365 Cloud PC offers fully managed Windows on any device, with modern security and lifecycle.
Comparison: ESU vs alternatives
| Path | Security | Cost | Complexity | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free ESU via eligible subscriptions | High (security-only) | Included with subscription | Medium (must verify eligibility) | Organizations, hybrid users |
| Paid ESU (consumer/business) | High (security-only) | Annual fee | Low–Medium | Individuals, small orgs |
| Upgrade to Windows 11 | Highest | Free (if eligible) | Low | Most modern PCs |
| Windows 365 Cloud PC | High (managed) | Monthly subscription | Medium | BYOD, remote workers |
| New hardware (Windows 11) | Highest | One-time hardware cost | Low | Aging devices |
Security best practices for Windows 10 in 2026
Regardless of your path, follow these practices if you’ll continue running Windows 10 during the ESU period.
- Use a modern, actively supported browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox) and keep it updated.
- Enable a reputable antivirus/EDR (Microsoft Defender or enterprise EDR) with cloud protection.
- Harden your configuration: disable SMBv1, remove legacy TLS, enforce MFA for Microsoft accounts.
- Back up regularly with versioned, offline-capable backups to protect against ransomware.
- Limit local admin rights and use standard accounts for daily work.
Risks and gotchas
- Assuming eligibility: Don’t rely on hearsay. Get written confirmation of ESU rights for your tenant and devices.
- Partial coverage: Free ESU paths cover security updates—not features, optional quality updates, or app compatibility fixes.
- Audits and compliance: Maintain documentation, deployment reports, and device inventories to prove compliance.
- Third-party software: Some vendors may drop Windows 10 support before 2026; watch EOL notices for critical apps and drivers.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Extra year of security-only updates for Windows 10
- Lower cost if already licensed under eligible subscriptions
- Time to plan hardware refresh or OS migration with less pressure
Cons
- Security-only: no new features, limited fixes
- Eligibility can be complex and must be verified
- Third-party support may wane in 2026
Final verdict
If you’re in an eligible Microsoft environment, leveraging ESU through October 2026 can be a smart, low-cost bridge—buying time for a clean Windows 11 migration or hardware refresh. If you’re not eligible, consider purchasing ESU for year one or moving to Windows 11 now. Either way, treat 2026 as your final lap on Windows 10 and plan to move forward before support and app compatibility become a drag on productivity and security.
FAQs
Are free ESU updates the same as regular updates?
No. ESU delivers security-only updates—no new features or non-security quality changes.
How can I confirm my eligibility definitively?
Check the ESU language for your Microsoft subscription in the Admin Center and request written confirmation from your Microsoft account team or licensing partner.
Will my apps still work on Windows 10 in 2026?
Many will, but vendors can drop support at any time. Monitor your critical software for Windows 10 end-of-support notices.
Can home users get ESU for free?
Free ESU paths generally apply to eligible enterprise/education scenarios. Home users should plan for a Windows 11 upgrade or consider paid ESU.
Is upgrading to Windows 11 better than ESU?
Yes, for most users. Windows 11 keeps you on a fully supported platform with ongoing features and broader app compatibility.
What if my PC can’t run Windows 11?
Consider paid ESU (short term), Windows 365 Cloud PC, or new hardware. As a last resort for non-critical use, consider a modern Linux distribution.
How do I verify updates are still arriving after October 2025?
Open Settings > Update & Security > View update history. You should see monthly security patches dated after October 2025.
Do ESU updates include Microsoft Defender updates?
Defender signatures are typically serviced independently, but OS security components ship via ESU. Keep Defender enabled and updated.
Sources
- ZDNET: Get free Windows 10 security updates through October 2026: 2 ways
- Microsoft: Windows 10 lifecycle
- Microsoft: Windows Extended Security Updates (ESU) overview
- Microsoft: Windows 365 overview
- Microsoft: Azure Virtual Desktop overview
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