Unlike many previous Windows updates, Windows 11 required some users to purchase new PCs with specific CPU technologies and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM). Microsoft was widely criticized for putting out completely serviceable PCs, and that’s going to be a problem in 2026. AI-driven reduction of storage and memory has made system upgrades significantly more expensive, potentially slowing down upgrades. Some people have also avoided Windows 11 due to Microsoft’s intense focus on AI features.
The result is that Windows 10 continues to be popular. According to StatCounter data, Windows 10 is still running on about 26 percent of PCs, while Windows 11 is at 72 percent. That means there are still millions of active Windows 10 installs, but those machines will remain updated for at least an additional year.
To join the ESU program, simply look for the enrollment option in the Windows Update menu. Customers in the EU get these updates for free, but in other regions, you’ll need to sign in with a Microsoft account and sync your system settings to be eligible for the free updates. Otherwise, it costs $30 (or 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points) to join the program.
Once you’re in, the ESU license works on up to 10 devices, but Microsoft says it’s for personal use — businesses have to pay per device for Windows 10 updates, but the program is available until 2028. But at this rate, Microsoft may still release Windows 10 updates after that deadline.
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