Is Your Wickford Home or Business Still Running Windows 10 in 2026? Here Are Your Safe Options.
Windows 10 is no longer getting free updates, so here are three safe routes. We'll check your PC for free and tell you straight which suits it. On 14 October 2025, Microsoft stopped standard security updates for Windows 10. If you're a home user or small business in south Essex still on Windows 10, those regular updates have stopped. A home PC can still get critical and important security updates if it's enrolled in consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU).
At LaunchLayer, we help Wickford residents work out what end of support means for their home PC, including consumer Extended Security Updates. Here's what that means for you, and what you can do.
1. What staying on an unsupported Windows 10 means
If you use your PC for online banking, shopping or running a business, a PC that no longer gets free security updates is more exposed. Without security updates, newly found weaknesses stay open. Enrolling an eligible home PC in consumer ESU keeps those critical and important updates coming.
Microsoft has introduced a temporary safety net to give you more time: the Extended Security Update (ESU) Programme.
2. How to Enrol in the Windows 10 ESU Programme
Microsoft's consumer Extended Security Updates programme lets an eligible home PC keep receiving critical and important security updates after support ended on 14 October 2025. Microsoft's ESU page says you can enrol any time until the programme ends on 12 October 2027. If you're already enrolled, coverage continues through that date.
How to Check Your Eligibility:
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
If your PC is on the final version (22H2) and fully up to date, look for a link that says "Enrol in Extended Security Updates."
The True Cost of the ESU Programme:
No additional cost: if you sync your PC settings. Microsoft's page lists this as one way to enrol.
1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or a one-time purchase of $30 USD (or the local currency equivalent, plus tax). Microsoft's page says you sign in with a Microsoft account to enrol. A child account can't be used.
Not for commercial PCs: Microsoft's page says consumer ESU can't be used on a PC in kiosk mode, joined to Active Directory or Microsoft Entra, or enrolled in device management. A PC that's only Entra-registered can still use consumer ESU. For a business fleet, Microsoft points IT to its commercial programme.
These options give you security updates until 12 October 2027. ESU is security updates only. It doesn't include other fixes, new features, or technical support.
3. Your Three Best Strategic Options in 2026
If you want something longer-term than a temporary security subscription, you have three paths:
Option A: If the PC can move to Windows 11
If Windows says the PC can move to Windows 11, a normal upgrade is the straightforward route. Windows 11 upgrades start from £69. If an upgrade isn't a good idea for your computer, we'll tell you why and suggest what would work better. If the checker blocks your PC, we'll look at the TPM, RAM and processor on a free diagnostic before you pay for any work.
Call 07367 652987. Drop-off is by appointment for a free diagnostic. We'll tell you whether the PC is eligible before doing any upgrade work.
Option B: The Premium Refurbished Route
If your laptop is failing or genuinely too old for modern software, a low-end budget machine isn't your only option. We can help you find a Professional-Grade Refurbished Laptop: business-class machines are often better built, and you can choose one that's ready for Windows 11.
Option C: The Isolated "Secure Enough" Strategy
If you want to stay on Windows 10 for now, these habits keep it safer:
Strict Browser Choice: only use a web browser that still gets updates on Windows 10, so you keep its built-in protection.
Up-to-date Antivirus: make sure your antivirus is still getting updates, and if it isn't, switch to one that is.
We'll check your PC and tell you which Windows 10 route suits it
If you're tired of "End of Support" pop-ups and aren't sure which option makes financial sense, don't leave the PC exposed.
From setting up Microsoft's free ESU option or an SSD and RAM upgrade, to moving your files safely to a new Windows 11 PC, we're here to keep it simple and secure.
Is your PC officially Windows 11 ready? Book Your Free Diagnostics Checkup with LaunchLayer Today.