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A software bug has prevented at least some Windows 10 PCs from receiving an extra year of security patches, following Microsoft's end-of-support date for the OS.
Microsoft today released a fix for the problem, which affects its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. For those who aren't yet ready to upgrade to Windows 11 or don't have a compatible PC, ESU allows them to continue receiving security updates for Windows 10 through October 2026, even though Microsoft officially ended support on Oct. 14.
An estimated 41.74% of global PCs still run Windows 10; another 55.17% are on Windows 11.
Microsoft has been offering the ESU program through a built-in enrollment tool in Windows Update. But apparently, the enrollment system wasn’t working for every Windows 10 PC.
"This update addresses an issue in the Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Update (ESU) enrollment process, where the enrollment wizard may fail during enrollment,” the company wrote. “After applying this update, consumer devices should be able to successfully enroll in ESU using the ESU wizard.”
(Credit: PCMag)The patch is an "out-of-band" update, meaning it's rolling out even though the company has stopped officially supporting Windows 10. "This update is marked as a security update for devices that are not enrolled in the Windows 10 consumer ESU as it resolves an issue that was preventing affected customers from receiving essential security updates,” the company added.
To install this update, affected users should go to the Windows Update settings page, select Check for updates, and look for an option to install update KB5071959, which requires a restart. Once the fix is installed, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, which should bring up the ESU enrollment tool.
Users can receive access to the ESU program for free by syncing their Windows backup to Microsoft OneDrive or cashing in 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. Otherwise, they’ll need to pay $30 for security patches through Oct. 13, 2026.