Microsoft released an emergency out-of-band update on November 11 to fix a malfunctioning enrollment wizard that prevented eligible Windows 10 users from accessing Extended Security Updates (ESU).
Despite months promoting the ESU program as the solution for Windows 10 devices after end-of-support from October 14, Microsoft failed to ensure its enrollment system actually worked. For affected users, the broken wizard meant security updates would stop flowing entirely — a critical failure requiring an urgent fix.
So it came to pass, that on the first Patch Tuesday after free support for Windows 10 ended, Microsoft released KB5071959 for consumer Windows 10 devices not enrolled in the ESU program. Whoopsie.
Microsoft has made several concessions to Windows 10 consumers over the past year. In September, it offered a free year of ESU updates to users in the European Economic Area (EEA). It also allowed users to qualify by syncing settings to Microsoft’s cloud or spending 1,000 Microsoft reward points. Otherwise, consumers were asked to pay $30 annually for twelve more months support.
Affected users must now install the emergency update, re-enroll their device, and then the Windows 10 November 2025 security update should be available.
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- Microsoft’s lack of quality control is out of control
- UK agri dept spent hundreds of millions upgrading to Windows 10 – just in time for end of support
- Win10 still clings to over 40% of devices weeks after Microsoft pulls support
Microsoft’s Windows 10 ESU program has not had an auspicious start. The enrollment failure follows earlier ESU issues. After the October security update, some enrolled devices incorrectly displayed out-of-supp