Microsoft announced Thursday it will offer extended security updates for Windows 10 beyond the operating system’s official end-of-support date, giving millions of users more time to transition to Windows 11 or newer platforms.

The program, which will launch in October, provides critical security patches for Windows 10 devices through at least October 2028. Customers can enroll via a simplified online wizard and pay an annual per-device fee, similar to Microsoft’s previous Extended Security Updates plans for Windows 7.

“Extending these protections gives organizations and consumers the flexibility they need,” said Jason Leznek, a Windows marketing director, in a blog post Thursday. “We continue to recommend upgrading to Windows 11 for the most modern and secure experience.”

Windows 10, which debuted in 2015, was initially slated to reach end of support in October 2025. Analysts estimate the OS still runs on more than 800 million devices globally, making the transition timeline a challenge for enterprises and schools with legacy hardware.

According to TechRadar, the extended security option is aimed especially at regulated industries such as healthcare and banking, where legacy applications are harder to migrate quickly.

“Windows 10 is deeply embedded in mission-critical systems,” said Stephen Kleynhans, a vice president with Gartner, in a note published Thursday. “This extended support is essential to avoid gaps in cybersecurity.”

Microsoft said pricing details for the program will be released in the coming months. Customers will be required to maintain genuine, licensed copies of Windows 10 to be eligible.