Summary created by Smart Answers AI
Table of Contents
In summary:
- Microsoft extended Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) until October 12, 2027, providing an additional year beyond the previously announced October 2026 end date.
- PCWorld reports that many users might miss the official notification email since it often lands in Outlook’s ‘Other’ folder rather than the main inbox.
- This extension applies only to existing ESU program participants, while non-ESU Windows 10 users face increasing security vulnerabilities and should consider enrolling for continued protection.
Microsoft just sent out an email to Windows 10 users informing them that the company is extending Windows 10 support by another year. In other words, you can rest assured that Windows 10 is not one of the many apps and services that Microsoft is discontinuing this year.
The email, which you might have missed, begins with the subject “Stay secure for another year.” It explains that the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) will keep going until October 12th, 2027. This means that, contrary to the original plan, they won’t stop on October 12th, 2026. Of course, this is only true if you’ve actually signed up for the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program.
According to Windows Latest, this email is ending up in the “Other” folder in Outlook rather than the “Focused” folder. As such, many Outlook users might miss this official Microsoft email.
Microsoft suddenly shows understanding
In the body of the email, Microsoft explains its (sudden) understanding that upgrading to a new PC or laptop takes time.
In recent years, Microsoft basically pushed Windows 10 users to toss their old machines and buy new ones with Windows 11, forced via Windows 10’s end of support and demonstrating a huge disconnect with users. Then came the first extension to October 2026, followed by this one to October 2027.
Microsoft’s change of stance is presumably due to the still-high market share of Windows 10 in the US. Clicking the “Find out more” button in the email takes you to a support page with more information.
Who’s getting this email?
According to Windows Latest, this email was only sent to users who have already signed up for the Windows 10 ESU program. Anyone who hasn’t yet signed up won’t receive this email.
This email is therefore not intended to provide information about the ESU program, but rather to notify current participants of the ESU program’s one-year extension. You don’t need to respond to this email in any way or take any action. It’s purely informative.
That said, the case is different if you’re still using Windows 10 without ESU updates. Without those updates, your system is now vulnerable to all kinds of security threats, and will only grow more vulnerable as time passes. If you plan to keep using Windows 10, we highly recommend signing up for the ESU program ASAP.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and localized from German.