Or: How Microsoft scares us first, then saves and then sends a few to the siding. AKA Windows 10: The end of the end! Who is allowed to continue for free until 2026 (and who isn't!) Pooh, what kind of drama was that, right?
For months, the ghost of 14 October 2024 through the net. The day when our beloved (or we say: beloved) Windows 10 should actually pull the plug. Sure, Microsoft provided us with the chargeable “Extended Security Upgrades (ESU) programme Hold a straw, but let's be honest: Who pays for security updates that were previously for free?
But now comes the good news, For the environment and your wallet: There is an extension! YAY!
Thanks to the use of consumer protection associations, Microsoft (at least in the European Economic Area) has had an insight. The ESU program is now for us normal users... drum roll... free! That means you can get your Win10 up to the 13 October 2026 Provide brand new security patches.
A reason to celebrate? Shut up! As always, there is a small catch.
Plot twist: Windows 10 is alive (one more year)!
Remember the big Windows 10 apocalypse announced for October 14, 2024? Microsoft wanted to drive us all to Windows 11, consumer advocates stormed, and in the end there was a happy ending – at least in part.
The good news: Windows 10 will get free security updates until October 13, 2026! The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which was originally intended to cost money or your data, is now free for private users in the European Economic Area. Thank you, consumer associations!
The not so good news: Microsoft wouldn't be Microsoft if there weren't a few catches.
For the first time: How do I get the updates?
You must actively register for the ESU program. Sounds annoying? It's a little bit too. But hey, after all, it's free! Once logged in, you will receive your security updates by October 2026. Problem solved!
Or not?
Microsoft’s ‘Sorry, but...’ list
This is where it gets interesting. Because some devices are not even allowed to go to the ESU party. Microsoft has created an exclusion list that reads like the guest list of a very picky club:
Children's Accounts (Sorry Kids!)
Do you use a child account? I was unlucky! Microsoft believes that minors do not need an ESU license. The solution is relatively simple: Disable the child account in the settings under Accounts → Family members and log in with an adult Microsoft account. Then it should work.
Pro tip: You can combine several devices under one ESU license. So the children's PC should still get updates as long as an adult takes over the registration.
Kiosk mode (museums must stay outside)
The kiosk mode restricts programs in such a way that users cannot click wildly through the area. Do you know about museum terminals or university exams? These devices are excluded from the ESU program.
The crux: Theoretically, you can exit kiosk mode, register and then... well, what happens when you switch back to kiosk mode? Even Microsoft probably doesn't know that.
MDM, Active Directory & Co. (Company laptops probably no longer have them anyway)
Now it becomes technical. Three categories fall under the table here:
Mobile Device Management (MDM): If your device is managed through an MDM solution (typical for corporate devices), there is no ESU license. Mainly affects companies that manage entire fleets of devices.
Active Directory domain: If your PC is in an Active Directory domain (also a corporate thing), you're out. These databases are mainly used in companies and authorities to manage users and access rights.
Microsoft Entra – but beware, there is a difference here!
- Embedded devices (provided by the employer and fully managed): No updates for you!
- Registered devices (Your personal laptop, which you also use for work): You get the ESU license!
The quintessence: If you're using your personal computer, you're probably safe. If your employer has provided you with the calculator, he or she is responsible for the ESU programme – or not.
And what does that mean for me now?
Quite simply: Do you have a normal personal computer with an adult account? Then sign up for the ESU program and enjoy Windows 10 for another year!
Do you use a company laptop or do you have special configurations? Then it's best to check if your device falls into one of the exception categories. In case of doubt: Just try to see if the registration works.
The conclusion: A victory with stars
Microsoft gave in and granted Windows 10 a grace period. That's good! But as always in life, there is a fine print. Most home users should get the updates easily when they register.
So, what are you waiting for? Let's get into the ESU program before Microsoft thinks differently! ⁇
Your to-do is simple: Sign up for the ESU program, secure the updates until 2026 and push the annoying Windows 11 upgrade to the long bank. Or just do it like most of them: Forget the registration until September 2026 and do it on the very last pusher.
See you in the update extension!
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