Microsoft has recently addressed concerns from commercial customers who believed they were enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program but faced error messages during the first Patch Tuesday following the end of support. The company has released a patch identified as KB5072653, termed the “Extended Security Updates (ESU) Licensing Preparation Package for Windows 10.”
Installation Process
To successfully install this patch, devices must first have the October 2025 security update in place. Following that, the preparation package can be installed, paving the way for the deployment of the November 11 security update.
While Microsoft has not elaborated on the specific functions of this “preparation package,” it is emphasized that its installation is a prerequisite for the upcoming November update.
The ESU program was introduced to allow customers to continue receiving essential security updates for Windows 10 after the official support period concluded. This program operates on a subscription basis, although some consumers may be able to bypass the fees depending on their geographical location or their willingness to engage with Microsoft’s services.
Since its announcement over a year ago, the ESU program has faced challenges, particularly with its initial rollout. Many consumers reported difficulties with the enrollment wizard, while others, particularly those activating devices through the Microsoft 365 admin center, encountered installation errors.
As Microsoft charges a substantial fee for these updates— per device for the first year, with costs doubling in subsequent years—the rocky transition has understandably frustrated system administrators.
Although Microsoft has not disclosed the number of devices running Windows 10 or the total enrollment figures for the ESU program, it is evident that Windows 11 has not achieved the anticipated success. Data from Statcounter indicates that it wasn’t until June 2025 that Windows 11 finally surpassed Windows 10 in market share. Even after the end of free support for most Windows 10 versions, the older operating system still accounted for over 40 percent of the Windows desktop market.
Several factors contribute to the lukewarm reception of Windows 11, particularly its stringent hardware requirements, which have rendered many existing Windows 10 devices obsolete. Nevertheless, the ESU program promises to maintain security for these devices for the foreseeable future, and there is optimism that it will eventually operate smoothly for all users.
