Windows 10 Receives First Paid Security Update, Marking Shift to Extended Security Update Program
November 12, 2025 – Windows 10 users enrolled in Microsoft’s Extended Security Update (ESU) program are now receiving KB5068781, teh first security update delivered exclusively to those paying for continued support. This marks a important change for Windows 10, as standard security updates have ended for most users.The update, part of the November 2025 Cumulative update for Windows 10 Version 22H2, brings security fixes and resolves a recent issue with ESU enrollment notifications.
KB5068781 is the initial security rollout under the ESU program, which allows organizations to continue receiving security updates for Windows 10 after its official end of support. Microsoft intends the ESU program as a temporary measure, encouraging users to migrate to newer operating systems like Windows 11. The update addresses 63 security vulnerabilities, including one actively exploited by hackers – a “zero-day” vulnerability – and corrects a false end-of-support warning displayed on eligible ESU systems.
The update automatically installs for enrolled systems and brings the build number to 19045.6575. While the update is approximately 200 MB through windows Update, the standalone download from the Microsoft Update Catalog exceeds 700 MB. Microsoft recommends against manual installation unless specifically required. A separate out-of-band update, KB5071959, was previously released to resolve issues with ESU update delivery.
