The Windows 10 ESU update has become essential for users who want to keep their systems secure after support ended, and Microsoft has now released a fix to restore proper ESU enrollment. Windows 10 officially reached end of support last month, but its popularity pushed Microsoft to extend the system’s life through Extended Security Updates (ESUs). Individuals get one extra year for free, while organizations can purchase up to three years of coverage.
A bug blocked the Windows 10 ESU update enrollment
Shortly after the free year of ESU was announced, many users reported that they couldn’t complete enrollment. Windows Latest discovered that the enrollment wizard repeatedly failed, preventing PCs from joining the program.
Because ESU enrollment is mandatory, the issue immediately blocked eligible devices from receiving crucial security patches. Users had no workaround, so Microsoft had to intervene quickly.
Microsoft fixes the broken enrollment wizard
This week, Microsoft released update KB5071959 for Windows 10 version 22H2. According to the company, the patch resolves an issue “where the enrollment wizard may fail during enrollment.”
Microsoft decided to distribute the fix to all Windows 10 systems, not only those already attempting ESU enrollment. The goal was simple: restore access to essential security updates without requiring users to take extra steps.
After installing KB5071959, the enrollment tool functions correctly again, and PCs can enroll to receive the Windows 10 ESU update until 2026.
Manual enrollment continues to frustrate Windows 10 users
The ESU program exists to help people who cannot or prefer not to move to Windows 11. However, Microsoft still requires users to manually run the enrollment wizard on every device. Many don’t realize this until updates stop arriving.
Microsoft calls 2025 “the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh,” making it clear that the company prefers users to upgrade hardware or migrate to the newer OS. The slightly inconvenient ESU process nudges people toward doing exactly that.
How long the Windows 10 ESU update will last
Once a PC is successfully enrolled, individual users receive updates until October 2026. That’s the absolute end for consumer-level Windows 10 support.
Businesses, schools and enterprise customers can buy ESU coverage for two additional years, extending updates to 2028, but these options are not available to regular consumers.
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