Microsoft adds another year to Windows 10 extended update program
Windows 10 still runs on 26% of PCs, and Microsoft adds an additional year of updates, responding to users' reluctance to upgrade to Windows 11.
Microsoft has announced an extension of the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program by another year. Windows 11 required many users to buy new PCs due to specific CPU requirements and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), drawing criticism for excluding perfectly capable machines. This has become a problem in 2026, as an AI-driven shortage of storage and memory has made system upgrades more expensive, and some avoid Windows 11 because of Microsoft's heavy focus on AI features. According to StatCounter, Windows 10 still runs on about 26% of PCs, while Windows 11 accounts for 72%. This means hundreds of millions of active Windows 10 installations remain. To join the ESU program, users can find the enrollment option in the Windows Update menu. EU customers receive updates for free, but in other regions, a Microsoft account and synced system settings are required for free updates; otherwise, it costs $30 (or 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points). The ESU license covers up to 10 devices for personal use, while businesses must pay per device. The program is available through 2028, but Microsoft may continue updates beyond that.
