Microsoft has rolled out the KB5068781 update, marking the inaugural extended security update for Windows 10 since the operating system officially reached its end of support last month. This update arrives in the wake of the final cumulative update released on October 14, which signaled the cessation of bug fixes and complimentary security updates for Windows 10.
Extended security updates (ESU) are available for both consumers and business customers, allowing them to continue receiving security updates for a period of up to three years, contingent upon the type of account held.
For consumers, enrollment in the ESU program can be achieved through several means: a payment of , the use of 1,000 Microsoft reward points, or by utilizing Windows Backup to synchronize their settings with a Microsoft account. Notably, individuals within the European Economic Area enjoy additional options, including the ability to access ESU for free by simply logging in with a Microsoft account or by paying to maintain a local account.
Business customers have the opportunity to leverage the ESU program for a total of three years, culminating in a total cost of 7 per device. However, a recent bug has hindered some devices from enrolling in the ESU program, prompting Microsoft to issue an emergency fix today to address this issue.
Users operating Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC or those enrolled in the ESU program can install this update in the usual manner by navigating to Settings, selecting Windows Update, and manually clicking on ‘Check for Updates’.
Source: BleepingComputer
As this update is mandatory, it will automatically install itself and will prompt users to restart their devices upon completion.
Following the installation of this update, Windows 10 ESU will be upgraded to build 19045.6575, while Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 will be updated to build 19044.6575.
What’s new in Windows 10 KB5068781
With Microsoft ceasing the release of new features or maintenance fixes for Windows 10, the KB5068781 update primarily addresses a bug that incorrectly indicated that Windows 10 LTSC devices had reached their end of support, despite their continued support until January 2027.
- [Update (known issue)] Fixed: After installing the October 14, 2025 Windows update (KB5066791), users may have encountered a message stating, “Your version of Windows has reached the end of support,” which could erroneously appear in the Windows Update Settings page. To access this page, navigate to Start > Settings > Windows Update.
More critically, this update encompasses Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday security updates, rectifying 63 vulnerabilities along with one actively exploited elevation-of-privilege vulnerability. Microsoft has reported that there are no known issues associated with this update.
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