Windows 10 22H2: Out-of-Band Update – Corrects ESU Issues

Some Windows 10 users are quite surprised: Without registering for Extended Security Updates (ESU), they are being offered an out-of-band security update. It corrects a problem that prevents ESU from being set up on private users' computers.

In the Windows Release Health notes, Microsoft explains the unexpected update. According to this, Microsoft has discovered cases where the setup process for extended security updates can fail. Therefore, an out-of-band update is now being offered on Windows 10 computers with end-user licenses on which ESU has not been set up.

Windows 10 Users Should Take Action

Microsoft provides instructions on how affected users should proceed. First, they need to search for updates in the settings on the Windows Update page. This will return the out-of-band update KB5071959. Users should install this and then restart their computer.

After restarting, they need to go through the Extended Security Updates wizard to activate the device for the ESU program. Afterward, searching for updates in the settings will provide the regular monthly security updates for Microsoft Patchday.

In the Microsoft explains in the support article for the update, it is further explained that the update is cumulative and contains security updates up to and including October 14, 2025.

At the beginning of October, Microsoft gradually rolled out the registration for the ESU program for privately used Windows 10 installations. In the European Economic Area, the one-year extension is free of charge, contrary to the original plans – although customers need a Microsoft account for this, which can also be interpreted as payment with data. For commercially used Windows 10 versions, up to three years of extended security updates are possible – naturally for a fee –. For this, Microsoft published guidelines for admins a week ago on the prerequisites their devices must meet and how they can perform the ESU activation.

(dmk)