Windows 10 in Late 2026: How to Check ESU and Stay Protected

Millions of computers in homes and small offices still run Windows 10, a full year after Microsoft ended mainstream support on 14 October 2025. Many of them are still safe to use, but only because they are enrolled in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme. Many others are quietly unprotected.

Microsoft has extended the consumer ESU programme so that eligible personal devices keep receiving security fixes through 12 October 2027, a year longer than originally planned. On 13 October 2026, it released the latest ESU update, KB5126657. This guide shows you how to confirm your PC is covered and fully up to date.

Who qualifies for consumer ESU

The consumer programme is for personal-use devices. According to Microsoft’s updated documentation, as reported by BleepingComputer:

• Computers joined to an Active Directory domain or managed through mobile device management (MDM) are not eligible for the consumer programme.
• Personal devices that are only registered with Microsoft Entra (for example, a work account added to a home PC) still qualify.
• Devices already enrolled are covered automatically until the new end date, with nothing extra to do.
• One ESU licence can cover up to 10 devices tied to the same Microsoft account.

There are several ways to enrol: sync your PC settings to a Microsoft account using Windows Backup (free), redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or make a one-time payment of $30. In the European Economic Area, signing in with a Microsoft account is enough.

Businesses with managed PCs need Microsoft’s commercial ESU instead. BleepingComputer reports this can run for up to three years at a total of $427 per device, so it is worth comparing that cost with replacing or upgrading the machine.

Step 1: Check your Windows 10 version

1. Press the Windows key + R, type winver and press Enter.
2. Check the version and build number. ESU updates are delivered to Windows 10 version 22H2.
3. If you see an older version such as 21H2 on a Home or Pro edition, install the 22H2 feature update first through Windows Update.

Step 2: Check ESU enrolment

1. Open Settings and go to Update & Security, then Windows Update.
2. If your PC is eligible but not enrolled, you should see an option to enrol in Extended Security Updates. Select it and follow the prompts to choose an enrolment method.
3. If you choose the free Windows Backup route, make sure you are signed in with a Microsoft account and allow settings to sync.
4. Once enrolled, the Windows Update page should indicate that your device is enrolled in Extended Security Updates.

If you do not see any enrolment option, check that your PC is on version 22H2, that all earlier updates are installed, and that you are signed in with an administrator account.

Step 3: Install the October 2026 update

1. On the Windows Update page, select Check for updates.
2. Download and install KB5126657, then restart when prompted.
3. Run winver again. After the update, Windows 10 22H2 should show build 19045.7807.

KB5126657 includes the October 2026 Patch Tuesday security fixes. It also fixes a File History bug that could show a false “Reconnect your drive” message during backups to external or network drives, and continues the rollout of updated Secure Boot certificates.

A known issue to watch

BleepingComputer notes that some USB Audio Class 1.0 devices, such as certain USB headsets and sound adapters, have had problems since the September 2026 updates, including Code 10 errors or no sound. Microsoft has partly fixed this, but some issues remain. If an audio device stops working after updating, check Microsoft’s release health page before uninstalling security updates.

Step 4: Plan your next move

ESU buys time; it is not a long-term solution. It delivers security fixes only, not new features. Use the extra year wisely:

• Check Windows 11 compatibility with the PC Health Check app. If your PC qualifies, schedule the free upgrade at a quiet time and back up first.
• Budget for replacements if older machines cannot run Windows 11. Spreading purchases across the next 12 months is easier than replacing everything at once.
• Keep your apps updated. Browsers, office software and antivirus tools may stop supporting Windows 10 on their own timelines.
• Keep a register of every Windows 10 PC in your office, its ESU status and its planned replacement date.

Quick checklist

• Windows 10 version 22H2 installed
• ESU enrolment confirmed on the Windows Update page
• KB5126657 installed, build 19045.7807
• Backups working and tested
• Upgrade or replacement plan dated before October 2027

Fifteen minutes per PC is all it takes to know you are covered. An unpatched Windows 10 machine on your network is a risk to every other device connected to it.

Sources

• Microsoft quietly extends free Windows 10 ESU support to October 2027 – BleepingComputer
• Microsoft releases Windows 10 KB5126657 extended security update – BleepingComputer
• Microsoft extends free Windows 10 security updates for a second year – Tom’s Hardware