Still on Windows 10? Here Are Your Options Now Security Updates Run to October 2027

If you have been following the news about Windows 10, you could be forgiven for feeling confused. Support officially ended in October 2025. A one-year safety net was then due to run out on 13 October 2026. In June 2026, Microsoft quietly added another year. Plenty of articles online still quote the old date.

Here is the short version. Windows 10 itself is no longer supported, but home users can still receive free security updates until 12 October 2027 by enrolling in Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. That gives you breathing room, not a reason to forget about it. This guide explains what the dates mean, how to check where your computer stands, and how to choose between enrolling, upgrading and replacing.

What actually changed, and when

• 14 October 2025: Windows 10 reached end of support. Microsoft stopped feature updates, technical help and standard security updates.
• Extended Security Updates for home users: Microsoft opened a consumer ESU program so eligible Windows 10 computers could keep receiving critical and important security fixes.
• June 2026: Microsoft extended consumer ESU so it now runs until 12 October 2027. If you were already enrolled, your cover continues automatically. If you are not, you can still enrol at any time before that date.

ESU only delivers security fixes. There are no new features and no general Windows 10 help from Microsoft. Think of it as a safety net while you plan, not a new lease of life.

Will my computer stop working?

No. A Windows 10 computer keeps switching on and running as normal. The risk is quieter than that. Without security updates, newly discovered weaknesses stay open, and those are exactly what malware and scammers look for. Over time, some programs, banking sites and printers may also stop supporting older systems.

That is why we suggest every Windows 10 computer is either enrolled in ESU or moved to Windows 11, rather than left somewhere in between.

Step 1: Check what you have

1. See what Windows Update says. Open Settings, then Update & Security, then Windows Update. If your computer is eligible for ESU, or already enrolled, you will usually see a message about it here.
2. Check your version. Go to Settings, then System, then About. Consumer ESU needs Windows 10 version 22H2 (Home, Pro, Pro Education or Workstations) with the latest updates installed.
3. Check whether it can run Windows 11. The Windows Update page will often tell you whether your computer meets the requirements. If it does not say, Microsoft's PC Health Check app will.

A few practical points. Enrolment needs a Microsoft account with administrator rights on the computer, so if you sign in with a local account, Windows will ask you to sign in with a Microsoft account first. One enrolment can cover up to 10 computers on the same Microsoft account, which is handy for a household.

Business computers are different. Work computers joined to a company network or managed by an IT provider are not covered by the home program and need Microsoft's paid business option. If that sounds like your office, our small business IT support team can help you plan it.

Step 2: Choose your path

Option A: Enrol in ESU and buy some time

This suits a computer that still runs well, cannot run Windows 11, and that you would rather not replace yet. You enrol from the Windows Update page. One of the enrolment options is free when you back up your settings with Windows Backup to your Microsoft account. Free OneDrive storage is limited, so it is worth checking what will sync before you switch it on.

Treat October 2027 as a planned replacement date. Put a reminder in your calendar for mid-2027 so the decision does not sneak up on you.

Option B: Upgrade to Windows 11 for free

If your computer qualifies, the upgrade is free through Windows Update. Before you start:

• Back up first. Copy your documents and photos to an external drive or cloud storage.
• Check your extras. Older printers, scanners and programs sometimes need updated software on Windows 11.
• Know your passwords. Make sure you can sign in to your Microsoft account and email before you begin.

Most upgrades go smoothly. The ones that go wrong usually involve a nearly full hard drive or very old software. If your computer qualifies but feels slow, a solid-state drive or extra memory can make a big difference for a modest cost. See our laptop and PC upgrades service.

Option C: Replace the computer

If your computer is more than about seven years old, cannot run Windows 11 and is already slow, replacing it is often the better use of money. A refurbished business-grade computer can be excellent value, and a new one will be supported for years. Browse our new and refurbished computers, and if you would like help moving everything across, our new device setup service handles the transfer for you.

Watch out for Windows 10 scams

Scammers love a confusing news story. Expect fake pop-ups and phone calls claiming your Windows has "expired", that your computer is infected, or that you must pay to keep it working. Microsoft will not ring you about Windows 10, and real updates only come through Windows Update. If someone asks to connect to your computer, hang up. Our guide to the five signs of a scam email or text covers the warning signs, and our scam awareness and online safety service can set up protections at home.

Quick answers

Is it safe to keep using Windows 10?

It is reasonably safe until 12 October 2027 if the computer is enrolled in ESU, kept updated and running reputable security software. Without ESU, it is no longer receiving security fixes.

Do I have to pay for Windows 10 security updates?

Home users have a free option, which involves backing up settings with Windows Backup to a Microsoft account. The available options appear on the Windows Update page when you enrol.

Will Microsoft extend it again?

Nobody can promise that. Plan on 12 October 2027 being the end.

Not sure which option suits you?

Our technicians can check your computer at home, tell you whether it can run Windows 11, and then enrol it in ESU, upgrade it with a full backup first, or help you choose a replacement and move everything across. We explain each step in plain English with upfront pricing.

We visit homes across Balwyn, Camberwell, Doncaster, Box Hill and the surrounding eastern suburbs, and many checks can also be done through remote support. Call 0400 771 828 or send a message to book.