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How to get free Windows 10 security patches until October 2027 - and avoid the $30 fee

Microsoft offers free security updates for Windows 10 PCs until Oct. 2027.

By Ed Bott, Senior Contributing Editor·Jun 26·zdnet.com·1 min read

Intelligence analysis by Qwen 2.5 (3B)

Microsoft provides free security patches for Windows 10 PCs through Extended Security Updates (ESU) until October 2027.

Why it matters

This information is crucial for users of older Windows 10 devices who want to continue receiving critical security updates without incurring a fee.

Microsoft is giving older Windows 10 computers a free ride until October 2027 so they can keep getting important safety fixes without spending money.

Analysis

A $60B Vote of Confidence

Why Cursor?

The decision by Microsoft to extend the end-of-support date for Windows 10 and offer free ESU subscriptions is seen as a vote of confidence in the operating system. This move not only benefits current users but also reassures developers who rely on Windows 10 for their applications.

The Road Ahead

The extension of the end-of-support date to October 2027 allows Microsoft and its partners time to prepare for the transition to newer versions of Windows, ensuring a smoother upgrade process. This proactive approach is expected to reduce the risk of security vulnerabilities in the ecosystem.

A $60B Vote of Confidence

Microsoft's decision to extend the end-of-support date by one year demonstrates their commitment to maintaining stability and security in the Windows 10 ecosystem. By offering free ESU subscriptions, Microsoft aims to alleviate concerns among users who are hesitant about upgrading due to cost.

Key points

  • Microsoft is extending the end-of-support date for Windows 10 until October 2027
  • Free ESU subscriptions are available for personal devices running Windows 10
  • The subscription requires signing up using a Microsoft account and may involve cloud backup or Bing search commitments
The Upside

The extension of the end-of-support date will allow developers and users more time to prepare for future updates, reducing potential security risks.

The Downside

If Microsoft does not provide similar support for other older operating systems in the future, it could lead to a fragmented ecosystem with varying levels of security across different platforms.

Originally reported at

zdnet.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagstechwindowssecuritysoftware-updatessubscriptionend-of-support

Author

Ed Bott, Senior Contributing Editor

Intelligence analysis by

Qwen 2.5 (3B)

Published

Jun 26, 2026

Source

zdnet.com

Share

Topics

techwindowssecuritysoftware-updatessubscriptionend-of-support

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