Microsoft Issues Patch After Extended Security Updates Fail

Microsoft has put out a “preparation package” KB5072653 for their Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to fix errors users who believed they were enrolled in the ESU program were experiencing when trying to update after Windows 10 support ended.

This marks a rocky start for the already controversial program.

With official support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, the program provides critical security updates to those who wish to continue running Windows 10 or who can’t upgrade to Windows 11, but only after charging a yearly subscription starting at $61 per device, with the cost doubling each consecutive year.

The program also requires a Microsoft account in order to enroll, continuing the constant insistence by Microsoft to sign in to an online account to use Windows.

Microsoft landed itself in hot water in the EU over this program and was forced to provide updates to EU users for free, albeit only for one year. Of course, a Microsoft account is still required.

Let’s hope paid updates don’t become the norm in the future.