Overview
- Microsoft ended regular Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025 and released the final update (KB5066791), which is required to enable Extended Security Updates.
- Free ESU coverage runs until October 2026 for private users in the European Economic Area, with eligibility contingent on signing into Windows with a Microsoft account and completing ESU registration.
- Microsoft warns ESU delivery may stop after up to 60 days if the device is not signed in with a Microsoft account, though re‑registration restores updates.
- Consumer pressure led Microsoft to drop earlier conditions such as Rewards points or linking Windows Backup; organizations can still purchase up to three years of ESU.
- The Windows 11 Media Creation Tool (version 26100.6584) is malfunctioning on Windows 10 and Microsoft is working on a fix, with alternatives including ISO downloads, the Installation Assistant, or choosing ESU, other OS options, and archiving Windows 10 ISOs as experts advise.