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3h ago

Windows 10 Support Ends October 14 as Millions Face Immediate Security Gap

Microsoft’s one-year Extended Security Updates require users to enroll to keep receiving patches, and delaying enrollment leaves PCs exposed until registration is complete.

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Overview

  • The Extended Security Updates program delivers security-only patches to Windows 10 devices through October 14, 2026, with no new features or technical support.
  • Enrollment starts in Settings under Update & Security and can be completed by linking a Microsoft account and backing up settings to OneDrive, redeeming Microsoft Rewards points, or paying a one-time fee reported at about $30.
  • Users may join ESU after October 14, but updates will not arrive until enrollment is finished, so experts advise opting in now to avoid an unpatched window even if October’s update is already installed.
  • An estimated 200 million or more PCs cannot meet Windows 11 hardware requirements, raising security and e-waste concerns and prompting guidance to consider new hardware or alternative operating systems.
  • Immediate steps urged include backing up data, wiping drives before resale or recycling using Reset this PC (sufficient for most consumers but not industry-grade), and hardening systems that remain on Windows 10; a Windows 11 Media Creation Tool bug reported on October 12 is disrupting one upgrade path and Microsoft says a fix is in progress.