Microsoft extends Windows 10 update program as users refuse to upgrade
Some users are avoiding the Windows 11 update like the plague and cite numerous reasons why it isn’t actually necessary.
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Some users are avoiding the Windows 11 update like the plague and cite numerous reasons why it isn’t actually necessary.
- Microsoft’s ESU program for personal devices now runs until October 12th, 2027, giving users another year of critical security updates.
- Many users are resisting Windows 11. The main reasons include hardware upgrade costs and the feeling that Windows 10 still works well enough.
- Users cite privacy concerns, the push for AI features, weaker performance, and recurring bugs as reasons to avoid switching.
Key Takeaways by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.
Support for Windows 10 officially ended in 2025. Microsoft then provided users with a year of extended updates support through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.
The program was supposed to serve as a temporary measure for those who weren’t sure whether they’d like to upgrade their device, update Windows, or switch to another operating system, with an expiration date of October 12th, 2026.
According to recent changes on the ESU program support page, this update has been extended for an additional year.
The same information was also added to the Microsoft Windows 11 blog post, with an editor’s note stating that “[ESU] program for personal use devices is being provided for an additional year, with coverage now available through October 12th, 2027.”
Why won’t users update to Windows 11?
Microsoft’s decision to extend the Windows 10 ESU program for another year suggests that users aren’t keen on making changes.
“I can't afford a new computer,” wrote one Reddit user in the discussion about “why so many people are choosing not to upgrade to Windows 11?”
To use Windows 11, some users are required to purchase a new device with specific CPU technologies and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), noted ArsTechnica.
“It tells me that my computer can’t run it. My computer, while old, works well for everything else, including gaming, so I have no incentive or reason to upgrade a computer for it,” added another Redditor.
The ongoing storage and memory shortage caused by AI development makes it even trickier to update one’s device due to higher prices.
But new hardware requirements aren’t the only reason why some people refuse to upgrade to Windows 11.
“The lack of attractive new features and increased privacy and advertising concerns are my hesitations,” added one netizen.
Some Redditors also mentioned that Microsoft’s AI feature integration is the reason they don’t want to switch to Windows 11.
“Generally slower than 10, fewer features, more bloat, updates breaking something every other week. Windows 10 still works just fine, and I’m still getting security updates,” added another user.
It’s been reported that Windows 11 experienced several issues, including a broken localhost that prevented locally hosted apps from connecting to the user's network.
The issues with Windows 11 even made the company cut back on some AI-powered features.
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What is Windows 10 ESU?
The Windows 10 ESU program was introduced as an alternative for users who weren’t sure how to proceed with their Windows operating system.
As of May 2026, 26% of Windows users still use Windows 10, according to Statcounter Global Stats.
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Enrolling in the Windows ESU program means that while a user’s device no longer receives software and security updates, bug fixes, or technical support, it still provides “critical and important security updates.”
Following the extension of the ESU program, Microsoft notes that those already enrolled don’t need to take any action, as “coverage will automatically continue” until 2027.
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