Are Windows 10 Updates Still Coming? Understanding KB Updates After End of Support

Quick answer:

Yes, Windows 10 KB updates are still being released in 2026, but this does not mean that regular Windows 10 support has continued. Windows 10 reached its general end of support on October 14, 2025. For Windows 10 version 22H2, Microsoft now provides post-support security updates through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for eligible enrolled devices. Microsoft also continues updates for certain Windows 10 LTSC editions under their separate lifecycle policies.

For example, Microsoft's current Windows 10 release information lists a September 14, 2026 update for Windows 10 22H2, with build 19045.7727, under the ESU update column.

Therefore, seeing a new KB number on a Windows 10 computer in 2026 is entirely possible. The important question is which Windows 10 edition and servicing program the computer is using.

What happened to Windows 10 support?

Windows 10 version 22H2 was the final general-availability version of Windows 10. Microsoft ended normal support on October 14, 2025.

For the standard Windows 10 editions, including Home and Pro, Microsoft states that monthly security updates ended with the October 2025 release.

This means that the statement:

"Windows 10 stopped receiving updates in October 2025"

is broadly correct for ordinary Windows 10 installations that are not covered by a continuing servicing program.

However, it is incomplete if it is interpreted to mean that Microsoft stopped publishing every Windows 10 update immediately after that date.

Why are Windows 10 KB updates still appearing in 2026?

There are several reasons.

1. Windows 10 ESU

Microsoft created the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for customers who need to continue using Windows 10 after its normal end-of-support date.

For eligible Windows 10 version 22H2 devices, ESU provides Critical and Important security updates after October 14, 2025. ESU does not restore normal Windows 10 support and does not provide new Windows features or general non-security fixes.

Microsoft's current lifecycle information lists the first Windows 10 ESU year through October 13, 2026. Additional ESU years are listed through October 12, 2027 and October 10, 2028 for the applicable program.

2. Windows 10 LTSC editions have different lifecycles

Not every Windows 10 installation follows the same support schedule.

Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) and Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) editions have separate lifecycle dates.

For example, Microsoft's current release information lists:

Windows 10 edition/version	Support situation
Windows 10 22H2 Home/Pro	Normal support ended October 14, 2025
Windows 10 22H2 with ESU	Security updates available under ESU
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021	Updates continue until January 12, 2027
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021	Updates continue until January 13, 2032
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019	Extended support through January 9, 2029
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016	Extended support through October 13, 2026

The exact lifecycle depends on the edition, version and servicing channel.

A real 2026 example: Windows 10 KB updates

Microsoft's Windows 10 release information currently lists:

Windows 10 version 22H2

• Latest ESU update: September 2026 OOB
• Revision date: September 14, 2026
• Latest listed build: 19045.7727

This demonstrates that Windows 10 KB updates can still be published after the October 2025 general support deadline when they fall under Microsoft's post-support servicing arrangements.

Microsoft's Windows 10 documentation also records September 2026 issues and their resolutions involving updates such as KB5122878 and KB5129236.

What does ESU actually provide?

ESU should not be confused with normal Windows support.

Microsoft describes ESU as a way to continue receiving eligible security updates after the product reaches end of support.

ESU does not provide:

• New Windows features
• Customer-requested non-security updates
• Design changes
• Normal product support beyond the original lifecycle
• A new Windows 10 feature version

Microsoft specifically states that ESU provides Critical and/or Important security updates when available.

In other words:

ESU extends security coverage; it does not restart the normal Windows 10 product lifecycle.

How to check whether your Windows 10 PC is still receiving updates

The easiest first step is to check your Windows version and build.

Method 1: Use Winver

Press:

Windows key + R

Enter:

winver

and press Enter.

You should see information similar to:

Windows 10
Version 22H2
OS Build 19045.xxxx

The build number is particularly useful when checking whether a particular KB update has been installed.

Method 2: Check Windows Update

Open:

Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update

Then select:

Check for updates

If your computer is eligible for continuing Windows 10 servicing, Windows Update may offer applicable updates.

Method 3: Check installed KB updates

Open:

Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → View update history

You can see the KB numbers installed on the computer.

You can also use Command Prompt:

wmic qfe list

On newer Windows installations where WMIC is unavailable, PowerShell can be used instead:

Get-HotFix

These commands display installed hotfix/update information. They do not determine by themselves whether your PC is entitled to future ESU updates.

How to determine whether a KB update is actually for Windows 10

A KB number alone is not enough.

Microsoft can publish different updates for different Windows versions and editions. Therefore, always compare:

1. KB number
2. Windows version
3. OS build
4. Release date
5. Applicable edition
6. Whether the update is an ESU, OOB, security or other release

For example, if Microsoft lists an update specifically for Windows 10 version 22H2, it does not automatically mean that every Windows 10 computer is eligible to receive it.

What is an OOB update?

You may also see the term OOB, meaning out-of-band.

An out-of-band update is released outside Microsoft's normal monthly update schedule, usually to address an important issue that Microsoft determines should be resolved without waiting for the next regular release.

For example, Microsoft lists KB5129236, released September 14, 2026, as an out-of-band update associated with Windows 10 22H2 and other affected Windows versions.

Therefore:

OOB does not mean that Windows 10 has returned to normal support.

It describes the release timing/type of an update.

Does Windows 10 still receive feature updates?

No—not as part of the normal Windows 10 22H2 lifecycle.

Windows 10 22H2 was the final general Windows 10 feature version. ESU is intended to provide security coverage rather than introduce a new Windows 10 feature-development cycle.

Users should therefore distinguish between:

Update type	Windows 10 after normal EOS
New Windows 10 feature version	No
Normal monthly support	No
ESU security updates	Yes, for eligible enrolled devices
LTSC servicing	Yes, according to the specific LTSC lifecycle
New Windows features through ESU	No
General technical support	Not restored by ESU

What about Microsoft 365 on Windows 10?

There is another source of confusion.

Microsoft 365 Apps can continue to receive security updates on Windows 10 even though Windows 10 itself has reached end of support.

Microsoft currently states that Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 will receive security updates until October 10, 2028. It also states that feature updates continue until Version 2608 is reached, after which the application remains on that version and receives security updates through that date.

This does not mean Windows 10 itself remains fully supported until 2028.

The operating system and Microsoft 365 Apps have separate support policies.

Why might one Windows 10 PC receive a KB while another does not?

Several factors can explain the difference.

Different Windows editions

A Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC machine may have a different servicing lifecycle from Windows 10 Home or Pro.

ESU enrollment

A Windows 10 22H2 PC enrolled in ESU can receive eligible post-support security updates.

A comparable PC without ESU may not receive the same post-support Windows security update.

Different versions

Windows 10 22H2 is not the same servicing case as older Windows 10 releases.

Update applicability

Microsoft updates have applicability requirements. An update may not be offered if the device does not meet the conditions for that particular package.

Previously installed cumulative updates

Windows cumulative updates generally incorporate previous fixes. Consequently, the presence or absence of an older individual KB number does not always mean that the associated security fix is missing.

Common misconception: "I received a KB, so Windows 10 is still supported"

This conclusion is not necessarily correct.

A KB update can be released for:

• ESU customers
• LTSC editions
• A specific security issue
• An out-of-band release
• Another Windows 10 servicing scenario

Therefore, the correct question is not simply:

"Did Microsoft release a KB?"

Instead ask:

"Which Windows 10 edition and servicing program does this KB apply to?"

That distinction becomes increasingly important after Windows 10's October 2025 end-of-support date.

Should you continue using Windows 10?

That depends on the computer, software requirements and your organization's migration plans.

If the hardware supports Windows 11, moving to a supported Windows version is the long-term path Microsoft recommends for standard Windows 10 installations. Microsoft's Windows 10 end-of-support guidance directs customers toward Windows 11 or replacement hardware where appropriate.

If a computer must remain on Windows 10 temporarily, ESU can provide an additional security-update period for eligible devices.

For specialized systems, an LTSC edition may have a different lifecycle, but LTSC should not be treated as a general-purpose method for avoiding the standard Windows 10 lifecycle.

What should businesses do with existing Windows 10 PCs?

Organizations should first inventory their Windows systems.

For each computer, record:

• Windows edition
• Windows version
• OS build
• Hardware compatibility with Windows 11
• ESU enrollment status
• Business applications installed
• Critical dependencies
• Backup status
• Planned migration date

A useful PowerShell command for checking the Windows edition and version is:

Get-ComputerInfo | Select-Object WindowsProductName, WindowsVersion, OsBuildNumber

This requires no special administrator privilege for normal use.

For larger environments, Windows management tools can be used to collect this information centrally.

Security considerations after Windows 10 end of support

A computer continuing to run Windows 10 without applicable security servicing should not be treated as equivalent to a fully supported Windows installation.

If Windows 10 must remain in use:

1. Determine whether ESU applies.
2. Keep Windows 10 at the latest applicable build.
3. Keep browsers and other applications updated.
4. Maintain reliable backups.
5. Use a supported security solution.
6. Reduce unnecessary exposure to the internet where appropriate.
7. Plan migration rather than treating ESU as a permanent replacement for upgrading.

ESU is specifically designed as an extension mechanism, not as a replacement for the normal Windows lifecycle.

Important distinction: Windows 10 versus Windows 10 IoT/LTSC

Search results about Windows 10 support can sometimes appear contradictory because Microsoft's Windows 10 family contains different servicing models.

For example, saying:

"Windows 10 ended in 2025."

is appropriate when referring to standard Windows 10 22H2 support.

But it is not sufficient when discussing every Windows 10-derived edition because LTSC and IoT products have separate lifecycle dates. Microsoft's current release documentation explicitly identifies different support dates for these editions.

Always identify the exact edition before determining whether a computer is supported.

How to verify a Windows 10 KB update safely

When you encounter a new KB number, use this process:

Step 1: Record the KB number

Example:

KB5129236

Step 2: Check your Windows version

Run:

winver

Step 3: Record the OS build

For example:

19045.xxxx

Step 4: Check Microsoft's Windows release information

Compare the KB, build and release date with Microsoft's official Windows 10 release documentation.

Step 5: Check whether ESU or LTSC applies

Do not assume that because the update exists, every Windows 10 PC is entitled to it.

This is especially important when troubleshooting Windows Update after October 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Windows 10 KB updates still coming in 2026?

Yes. Microsoft continues to publish applicable Windows 10 updates for ESU-covered devices and certain LTSC editions. Microsoft's current release information lists September 2026 Windows 10 updates.

2. Did Windows 10 support end in October 2025?

Yes. Standard Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025.

3. Why am I still getting Windows 10 updates after October 2025?

Your computer may be enrolled in ESU, may use an LTSC edition, or may be receiving an update applicable to a particular post-support servicing scenario.

4. Does receiving a KB mean my Windows 10 PC is fully supported?

No. A KB update by itself does not establish that the operating system is under normal support.

5. What is Windows 10 ESU?

ESU stands for Extended Security Updates. It provides eligible Windows 10 devices with certain security updates after normal support ends.

6. Does ESU provide new Windows 10 features?

No. Microsoft states that ESU does not include new features or customer-requested non-security updates.

7. Can Windows 10 22H2 still receive security updates?

Yes, if the device qualifies for and is enrolled in the applicable ESU program.

8. Does Windows 10 Home receive updates after October 2025?

Standard support ended in October 2025. Eligible Windows 10 22H2 Home devices can receive post-support security updates through Microsoft's consumer ESU program where applicable.

9. Does Windows 10 Pro still receive KB updates?

A standard Windows 10 Pro installation is no longer under normal support. An eligible and enrolled 22H2 device can receive applicable ESU security updates.

10. What is the latest Windows 10 22H2 build?

Microsoft's current release information lists 19045.7727 as the latest Windows 10 22H2 build under its September 2026 ESU information.

11. Are Windows 10 LTSC computers still supported?

Some are. LTSC products have separate lifecycle dates. For example, Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 is listed through January 12, 2027, while Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 has a longer lifecycle through January 13, 2032.

12. Does Microsoft 365 continuing to receive updates mean Windows 10 is supported?

No. Microsoft 365 Apps have their own support arrangement. Microsoft says Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 will receive security updates through October 10, 2028, despite Windows 10's operating-system end of support.

13. What does OOB mean in a Windows KB update?

OOB means out-of-band. It refers to an update released outside the normal update schedule, often to address an important issue.

14. Should I uninstall a Windows 10 KB update just because Windows 10 is out of support?

No. End of support by itself is not a reason to uninstall an update. Check the specific KB, known issues and Microsoft's guidance before removing any security update.

15. Can I check my installed Windows 10 KB updates?

Yes. You can use Settings → Windows Update → View update history, or PowerShell:

Get-HotFix

16. Is Windows 10 completely dead after October 2025?

No. The standard Windows 10 lifecycle ended, but ESU and separate LTSC lifecycles mean that some Windows 10 systems can continue receiving applicable updates.

17. Can I keep using Windows 10 without ESU?

Technically, an unsupported Windows 10 installation can continue operating, but it does not receive the same ongoing security coverage as an eligible ESU-enrolled installation. Microsoft recommends moving to Windows 11 where appropriate.

18. Does ESU make Windows 10 supported again?

No. ESU provides a limited security-update extension. It does not restore the normal Windows 10 product lifecycle or general support.

FINAL RECOMMENDATION / CONCLUSION

The key point is that Windows 10 has reached normal end of support, but Windows 10 KB updates have not completely disappeared.

As of September 25, 2026, Microsoft is still listing Windows 10 22H2 security updates for eligible ESU devices, while certain LTSC editions continue under their own lifecycle schedules.

Therefore, when someone says "Windows 10 updates have stopped", the technically precise version is:

Regular Windows 10 support stopped on October 14, 2025. Post-support security updates can still be delivered through ESU, and certain LTSC editions continue receiving updates according to their separate lifecycles.

For an individual PC, the most reliable way to determine its status is to check Windows edition + version + OS build + ESU/LTSC status, rather than relying only on whether Windows Update happens to show a KB number.

Official Microsoft references: Windows 10 release information · Windows 10 end-of-support guidance · Windows 10 ESU information · Microsoft Extended Security Updates FAQ