Microsoft has officially released its final non-security update for Windows 10, marking the beginning of the end for one of its most widely used operating systems.
TLDR:
- The last optional update for Windows 10 (KB5066198) is now available ahead of the October 14 end-of-support date.
- It fixes two long-standing bugs: SMBv1 protocol issues and Autopilot Enrollment Status Page loading failures.
- After this, only paid security updates will be available through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.
- Microsoft is offering free ESU enrollment in Europe under pressure from regulators.
What Happened?
Microsoft has pushed out the KB5066198 update for Windows 10 22H2, bringing the OS to Build 19045.6396. This is the final non-security cumulative preview update before Windows 10 reaches its official end-of-support date on October 14, 2025.
The update mainly targets bug fixes and performance tweaks, without adding any new features.
The September 2025 non-security preview update is now available for Windows 10, version 22H2.https://t.co/BtGfUzi8dz
— Windows Update (@WindowsUpdate) September 25, 2025
(🧵1/5) pic.twitter.com/HlX5CA2wxl
Final Fixes Before the Curtain Falls
This last cumulative update focuses on resolving two notable bugs:
- SMBv1 Connectivity Bug: A known issue that affected users connecting to shared files and folders using SMBv1 over NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT). This bug surfaced after the September 2025 KB5065429 security update.
- Autopilot Enrollment Glitch: An issue during the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) where the Enrollment Status Page (ESP) fails to load when using Windows Autopilot to deploy Windows 10 22H2.
In addition to these targeted fixes, Microsoft included earlier improvements from this month’s Patch Tuesday:
- SMB Hardening Options: IT administrators can now deploy hardened SMB configurations as part of enterprise-level security practices.
- User Account Control Fixes: Resolved an issue where non-admin users were unexpectedly prompted by UAC when using MSI installers.
- Network Device Interface (NDI) Improvements: Addressed performance issues with audio and video streaming that started after the August 2025 security update.
Users can download and install this optional update via Windows Update or manually through the Microsoft Update Catalog.
What’s Next for Windows 10 Users?
With Windows 10’s official support ending in October 2025, Microsoft will stop providing security updates unless users opt into the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.
Here’s what users need to know:
- Enterprise ESU Cost: $61 per device per year.
- Home User Pricing: $30 per device, with a free option for those who use Microsoft Rewards or enable Windows Backup.
- Europe Exception: Following pressure from Euroconsumers, Microsoft is offering free ESU enrollment in the European Economic Area (EEA) for individual users who log in with a Microsoft account.
This marks a major shift for millions of users who have relied on Windows 10 since its launch in 2015. With no further feature or bug updates coming, it’s time to either migrate to Windows 11 or explore cloud-based alternatives like Windows 365.
What TechKV Thinks?
Honestly, it’s a bittersweet moment. Windows 10 has been a reliable workhorse for the past decade. While Microsoft gave it a solid run, this last update feels like a gentle nudge to move on. The fixes are important, especially for IT admins dealing with older SMB setups and Autopilot issues, but it’s clear the focus has fully shifted to Windows 11.
I think the free ESU option in Europe is a big deal. It shows how regulatory pressure can benefit consumers, and it might just help ease the transition for a lot of people who aren’t ready to make the switch yet.
