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5h ago

Windows 10 Support Hits Deadline Tuesday With Free EEA ESU and Broken Upgrade Tool

The free year in the EEA requires Microsoft‑account registration on the device, with updates pausing if it stays signed out for 60 days.

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Overview

  • Microsoft confirmed an updated registration process in the EEA that gives private Windows 10 users one additional year of free Extended Security Updates, extending protection to October 13, 2026.
  • Access to the free ESU requires signing into the PC with a Microsoft account and enrolling via the ESU tool, and updates are suspended after up to 60 days without sign‑in until re‑registration.
  • Microsoft acknowledged that Media Creation Tool version 26100.6584 closes unexpectedly on many Windows 10 systems and said a fix is in development, while the tool continues to work on Windows 11 PCs.
  • Users can still upgrade by using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, downloading official ISOs, creating media with third‑party tools such as Rufus, or preparing install media on another machine.
  • Support deadlines are stacking up as Windows 11 22H2 receives its final Enterprise, Education and IoT Enterprise updates on October 14 and Windows 11 23H2 Home and Pro reach last updates on November 11, with many PCs still on Windows 10 due to hardware requirements.