Windows 10 Gets its First Extended Security Update

Windows 10 Gets its First Extended Security Update

Now that support has officially ended, Microsoft is starting with the paid security updates. The first patch is in, and it’s an important one right away.

Since October, Windows 10 is no longer supported. Those who wish to remain on Windows 10 must switch to Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme. This is free for consumers for one year and provides critical security updates until October 2026, but no new features, improvements or technical support. It is therefore purely a safety net during the transition to Windows 11.

First Security Update

The very first ESU patch is KB5068781, now available for all devices participating in ESU. Microsoft emphasizes that it is an important update right away, because it also contains the Patch Tuesday security updates that:

  • Close 63 security vulnerabilities.
  • Resolve one zero-day.
  • Resolved a bug where Windows incorrectly stated that support had ended.

According to Microsoft, you no longer have to expect new features: Windows 10 will only receive security patches from now on.

Anyone who is registered for ESU will automatically receive KB5068781 via Windows Update (approximately 200 MB). So you don’t have to download anything manually, except in exceptional situations. The patch is also in the Microsoft Update Catalog for those who want it anyway.

What Does this Mean for Windows 10 Users?

Anyone who wants to continue using Windows 10 for a while must install ESU patches. However, switching to Windows 11 is also possible for companies via Microsoft Intune. The operating system remains susceptible to new vulnerabilities, and Microsoft only supports it in the area of security.

ESU runs until October 13, 2026. Until then, Windows 10 remains safe to use, but only with these paid updates.

Troublesome Installation

Even ESU updates are not immune to Windows gremlins. Just a day after Microsoft issued the first extended update for Windows 10, Bleeping Computer already reported installation issues. Users with a corporate license were unable to install the update.

In this case, Microsoft recommends first installing the license preparation package, a preparatory update. Your PC must be updated to the latest Windows 10 October release for this.

read also

How to Keep Using Windows 10 Safely for Free after October 14

This article was originally published on November 14 and was updated with the latest information.