Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU)
As Windows 10 support officially ended this month, many organizations are now exposed to increasing security risks. To help bridge the gap while transitioning to Windows 11, Microsoft has introduced the Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme.
ESU offers a critical safety net by providing essential security updates for Windows 10 version 22H2 through October 13, 2026. While it doesn’t include feature updates or technical support, it does ensure continued protection against malware and vulnerabilities identified by the Microsoft Security Response Centre.
Here’s what ESU includes:
– Critical and important security updates
– Coverage for Windows 10 devices until October 2026
– Flexible enrollment timeline (you can join any time before the end date)
Given the scale of your operations, maintaining security continuity is vital. If you’re still running Windows 10 across any systems, I recommend evaluating ESU enrollment before the end of the quarter to avoid exposure.
Prerequisites for enrolling in the consumer Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program in case you or someone you know may find this information helpful.
To successfully enroll, please ensure the following requirements are met:
- Your device must be running Windows 10, version 22H2 in one of the following editions: Home, Professional, Pro Education, or Workstations.
- Ensure that the latest Windows updates are installed on your device. You can find guidance on how to install these updates through the Windows settings.
- The Microsoft account used to sign in must have administrator privileges.
- The ESU license will be linked to the Microsoft account used for enrollment. If you normally log in with a local account, you may need to sign in with a Microsoft account.
- Remember, the Microsoft account cannot be a child account.
- Please note that the consumer ESU program is not applicable for commercial devices, such as those in kiosk mode, joined to an Active Directory domain, or enrolled in any Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution. However, devices registered with Microsoft Entra can participate in the program.
- Enable Extended Security Updates (ESU) If a device with Consumer ESU enrollment is utilized in a commercial context, the enrollment will be suspended until the device returns to consumer use.
For IT professionals interested in enabling ESU for organizations, further details can be found in the guide on “Enable Extended Security Updates (ESU).”
