Microsoft’s First Free Windows Update for 2026 Confirmed
▼ Summary
– Windows 10 will officially reach its end-of-support deadline in October 2026, after a previous extension.
– Despite this deadline, Windows 11 adoption remains stalled, with Windows 10’s market share recently growing to 46%.
– Users can pay for Extended Security Updates (ESU) until October 2026, but they are free for those with a Microsoft account who sync settings via OneDrive.
– A critical January 2026 security update for Windows 10 must be installed to replace expired Secure Boot certificates and prevent vulnerabilities.
– This month’s update patches at least 112 security issues, including numerous privilege escalation and information disclosure vulnerabilities.
The first major security update for Windows 10 in 2026 has been released, marking a critical step for users as the operating system’s official support deadline approaches. This free patch, available through the Extended Security Update (ESU) program, addresses over a hundred vulnerabilities and is essential for maintaining system integrity. With the final cutoff for Windows 10 now firmly set for October 2026, these updates are vital for protecting the vast number of PCs still running the platform, especially as adoption of Windows 11 continues to lag behind expectations.
Recent data paints a clear picture of the current landscape. Despite Microsoft’s efforts, Windows 11 has struggled to convince the existing Windows 10 user base to upgrade. Analyst figures indicate Windows 10’s market share has actually grown in recent months, holding nearly half of all Windows installations, while Windows 11 remains just above the 50% mark. This stubborn user preference sets the stage for a significant security challenge as the older system’s end-of-life draws nearer.
To manage this transition, Microsoft has confirmed the details of its Extended Security Update program. The company states that enrollment in ESU remains open until the program concludes on October 13, 2026. However, they issue a stark warning: devices will be more vulnerable and susceptible to viruses and malware before enrollment. For those who enroll after the program’s launch, all previously released updates will be delivered alongside future ones.
Accessing these critical updates does not necessarily require a payment. While the ESU program can be paid for directly with cash or Microsoft Reward points, there is a free avenue. Users can receive these Windows 10 Extended Security Updates at no cost if they have a Microsoft account and agree to sync their PC settings using OneDrive. This offers a pathway for individuals and organizations to maintain security without additional financial outlay.
The specific update released this month, identified as KB5073724, is not a trivial one. Security experts urge Windows 10 users to install it immediately. It resolves multiple security flaws within the operating system. Perhaps even more crucially, this January 2026 update introduces new Secure Boot certificates to replace older ones that have recently expired. This component is mandatory; if the expired certificates are not replaced, Secure Boot may fail to trust new boot components, creating a serious vulnerability.
The scope of the fixes is extensive. This single monthly update patches at least 112 distinct security issues. The breakdown includes 57 Elevation of Privilege vulnerabilities, 22 Information Disclosure flaws, and 5 Spoofing vulnerabilities. Each represents a potential vector for attackers, underscoring why applying these patches is a non-negotiable aspect of responsible PC management for the foreseeable future.
(Source: Forbes)
