Windows 10 updates extended to 2027: that’s the news many Melbourne PC owners have missed. If you’ve been dreading October 2026 because you thought your Windows 10 computer was about to lose its security updates, you can relax a little. Microsoft has pushed the deadline back a full year. You still have decisions to make, though, and doing nothing is still the riskiest option.
Here’s what changed, what it means for your home or office PC, and how to plan your next step without panic-buying a new computer.
Windows 10 Updates Extended: What Actually Changed?
Windows 10 officially reached end of support on 14 October 2025, which meant no more technical assistance, feature updates or security updates from Microsoft. To give people time to move on, Microsoft offered home users an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, originally set to end on 13 October 2026.
In June 2026, Microsoft extended it. The consumer ESU program now runs until 12 October 2027. If you’re already enrolled, your coverage continues automatically to that date, and you don’t need to do anything.
Microsoft didn’t make a big announcement. The change showed up in its support documentation and an editor’s note on a blog post, as BleepingComputer reported. That’s why plenty of people, and plenty of websites, still quote the old 2026 date.
Are you actually protected? Check these three things
ESU only protects your computer if it’s enrolled and eligible. Many of the Windows 10 machines we see for home and office PC repairs aren’t covered, and their owners don’t know it.
1. Is your PC on the right version? Eligible devices must be running Windows 10 version 22H2 (Home, Pro, Pro Education or Workstations) with the latest Windows updates installed. To check, press Windows + R, type winver, and press Enter.
2. Are you signed in with a Microsoft account? Enrolment needs an administrator Microsoft account, which gets linked to the ESU licence. If you sign in with a local account, you’ll be asked to switch, and child accounts aren’t eligible.
3. Have you actually enrolled? Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and look for the “Enroll now” option. If you see it, you’re not covered yet. Until you enrol, your PC is more exposed to viruses and malware. If you think it’s already been compromised, our virus and spyware removal service can clean it up before you enrol.
How much does it cost?
For most people, nothing. Enrolment is free if you sync your PC settings through a Microsoft account. You can also redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or pay a one-time fee of US$30. One licence covers up to 10 devices. The paid option is charged in your local currency plus tax. Full details are on Microsoft’s ESU page.
What ESU doesn’t do
ESU is a safety net, not a service plan. It covers critical and important security updates only. You don’t get other fixes, new features, or technical support.
That means ESU won’t:
- Speed up a slow, ageing computer
- Fix a failing hard drive or a worn-out laptop battery
- Stop newer apps and devices from eventually dropping Windows 10 support
- Help you if something goes wrong. Microsoft won’t be on the other end of the phone
Your three real options
Option 1: Stay on Windows 10 until 2027 (with ESU). This is fine for a machine that still runs well and is mostly used for browsing, email and documents. Enrol, keep backups, and plan your move for 2027.
Option 2: Upgrade your current PC to Windows 11. Many computers from the last several years can run Windows 11 for free. Under Microsoft’s minimum requirements, your PC needs a compatible 64-bit processor with two or more cores, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, UEFI with Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0. Sometimes a simple settings change or an SSD and RAM upgrade makes an upgrade worthwhile. Other times the processor rules it out entirely. This is where a proper check saves money, whether you have a Dell, HP, Lenovo or another brand.
Option 3: Replace the computer. If your PC is slow, noisy, running out of space, or ineligible for Windows 11, putting money into it may not make sense. The extra year gives you time to shop around instead of buying in a rush. When you’re ready, our new PC installation service sets up your new machine and moves everything across.
Why you shouldn’t leave it until October 2027
We saw what happened in October 2025: a last-minute rush, stock shortages, and people losing files during hurried DIY upgrades. The smart move is to use the extra year calmly:
- Back up everything now. Photos, documents, and business files. Do it before any upgrade, not after. The Australian Cyber Security Centre has a straightforward guide to backing up your devices. We can also set up automatic cloud backups for you.
- Get an honest assessment. Is your PC worth upgrading, or is it time to retire it?
- Upgrade or replace on your schedule. Do it when it suits you, not when a deadline forces you.
- Move your data properly. Email, passwords, printers and software licences are where most DIY migrations go wrong. If your email breaks after the move, our email setup and support team can fix it.
Running a small business? Every Windows 10 machine in your office needs checking, not just yours. Our business IT support can audit your whole fleet and plan the move in one go. If you’d rather hand off the job completely, see our managed IT services.
How we can help
At Melbourne PC Repair Pro, we help homes and small businesses with every step. We check Windows 11 compatibility, enrol eligible PCs in ESU, handle upgrades, and transfer all your data to a new machine. We work across the Melbourne CBD, Southbank, Carlton, Richmond and surrounding suburbs.
Not sure where your computer stands? Book a Windows 10 health check and we’ll tell you straight whether to stay, upgrade or replace.
FAQ
Will my Windows 10 computer stop working in October 2026?
No. Windows 10 keeps running. Enrolled PCs keep getting security updates until 12 October 2027. PCs that aren’t enrolled stopped getting updates in October 2025.
I already enrolled in ESU. Do I need to do anything?
No. Existing enrolments are extended automatically to October 2027.
Is it safe to keep using Windows 10 without ESU?
We don’t recommend it, especially for online banking, email or business work. Without updates, newly discovered security holes never get fixed. For businesses, our cyber security services can help close the gaps. If you’ve been hit by a scam or ransomware, the ACSC’s 24/7 hotline is 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371).
Can my PC run Windows 11?
Many can, but older processors and PCs without TPM 2.0 often can’t. Get in touch for a compatibility check.
