consumer advocacy Archives

Winsage

February 24, 2026

Microsoft extends security patching for three Windows products at a price

Support for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016 and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2016 LTSB will end on October 13, 2026, while Windows Server 2016 will reach its end of support on January 12, 2027. Organizations using these products will receive one final monthly security update on the specified dates, after which they will not receive security patches, updates, or technical support. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program allows organizations to purchase coverage for up to three years beyond the end of support, with pricing starting at a specified amount per device for the first year and doubling for each subsequent year. Windows Server 2016's ESU pricing has not been announced, and Microsoft recommends upgrading to newer Long-Term Servicing Channel releases. In the European Economic Area, Windows 10 users can access ESU until October 14, 2026, without payment or cloud account requirements due to advocacy from Euroconsumers.

Winsage

October 13, 2025

Repair Advocates Tell Microsoft: Stop the ‘End of Windows 10’

Microsoft reports a 62% reduction in security incidents with Windows 11 compared to Windows 10. The upgrade to Windows 11 is free for devices meeting hardware specifications, and an extended security update program for Windows 10 users is available until October 13, 2026. Critics, including CALPIRG, argue that the transition could lead to increased electronic waste, as many of the estimated 400 million Windows 10 users may lack the necessary hardware for the upgrade. Concerns include potential security risks when Windows 10 no longer receives updates, leading to discarded computers. Advocacy efforts have previously resulted in extended security updates for U.S. schools and free updates for Windows 10 users in the European Economic Area. The right to repair movement has initiated the End of 10 initiative to assist users in migrating to Linux. Some IT professionals view the transition as a necessary evolution in technology, emphasizing the importance of upgrading for security reasons.

Winsage

October 12, 2025

Windows 10: When you should update and what it means for you

Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning devices will no longer receive security updates. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 at no cost, but not all devices will meet the upgrade requirements. As of July 2025, approximately 43% of over 1.4 billion Windows devices were still using Windows 10, with around 21 million users in the UK. A quarter of these users plan to continue using Windows 10 after support ends, while one in seven are considering new devices. Users can either upgrade to Windows 11 or enroll in a program for Extended Security Updates (ESU) for an additional 12 months, which requires having the latest version of Windows 10 and a Microsoft account. ESU will not include technical support or additional software updates. The lack of security updates will increase vulnerability to cyber threats, and businesses may struggle with regulatory compliance.

Tech Optimizer

September 30, 2025

Windows 10 Updates End in October: What It Means for Users

Microsoft will cease updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. As a result, Windows 10 devices will become more vulnerable to security threats due to the lack of updates and security patches. Microsoft is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11, but many older computers may not be compatible with the new operating system. Approximately 650 million people worldwide are still using Windows 10, with an estimated 400 million devices potentially unable to upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft offers "Extended Security Updates" for a fee for those unable to upgrade. Experts warn that the absence of updates will increase the risk of cyberattacks, and many software vendors may discontinue support for applications reliant on updated system features. Users are advised to check their PCs for Windows 11 compatibility and consider options such as extended updates, hardware upgrades, or switching to Linux.

Winsage

September 29, 2025

Windows 10 holdouts get another year of software updates

Microsoft has agreed to extend free updates for Windows 10 users in Europe for an additional year, responding to pressure from consumer advocacy groups. The Dutch Consumers’ Association expressed satisfaction but urged Microsoft to consider ongoing free updates as long as many consumers continue to use Windows 10. Microsoft originally planned to cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. In June 2025, Microsoft announced that security updates would be provided at no cost to users of specific Microsoft services, abandoning a previous fee structure for updates.

Winsage

September 26, 2025

Windows 10 extended support is now free, but only in Europe — Microsoft capitulates on controversial $30 ESU price tag which remains firmly in place for the U.S

Microsoft will offer Extended Support Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 free of charge starting this October, but only within the European Economic Area (EEA). Users must enroll in the ESU program to receive security updates for one year after the official end of support on October 14, 2025. During the ESU period, users must log in to their Microsoft account every 60 days to maintain access to updates. Outside the EEA, users will need to pay a fee or submit their settings data to continue receiving updates.

Winsage

September 26, 2025

Microsoft Windows 10 support to end very soon: Private users in certain regions can secure one year of free ESU security updates

Microsoft has updated its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for users in the European Economic Area (EEA), confirmed by Microsoft Germany, allowing access to essential updates until October 13, 2026. EEA users can choose between two options for receiving ESU updates: 1. Free option: Users must sign in to their PC using a Microsoft account (MSA) and remain signed in to receive free security updates for one year, expiring on October 13, 2026. If the MSA is inactive for 60 days, updates will stop but can be reactivated by signing in again. The previous requirement to use the Windows Backup app or redeem Microsoft Rewards points has been removed. 2. One-time payment: Users must initially sign in with a Microsoft account and pay a one-time fee plus taxes to register for the ESU program. After registration, ongoing sign-in is not required. For users outside the EEA, the original ESU options remain, which include free updates via Windows Backup or Microsoft Rewards, or a one-time payment for registration. Business customers have different terms, with ESU available at an annual rate per device and renewals allowed for up to three years. Windows 10 users on virtual machines will receive complimentary ESU access without registration. The ESU program will only address critical and important security vulnerabilities from October 15, 2025, to October 13, 2026, without introducing new features or non-security updates. Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11, while Microsoft 365 applications will receive security updates on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028.

Winsage

September 25, 2025

Microsoft forced to make Windows 10 extended security updates truly free in Europe

Microsoft has announced that extended security updates for Windows 10 will now be available in the European Economic Area (EEA) without requiring users to enable Windows Backup. This change comes as the end of support for Windows 10 approaches on October 14th. Initially, users were required to activate Windows Backup to access an additional year of security updates, but after advocacy from the Euroconsumers group, Microsoft amended its policy. The previous requirement involved a Microsoft Account and OneDrive, which could lead users to exceed the free 5GB storage limit. The revised policy applies only to the EEA, while users in other regions must still enable Windows Backup or pay an annual fee to access the updates. Extended security updates for Windows 10 will continue until October 13th, 2026, and businesses can purchase up to three years of critical security updates. Euroconsumers is also advocating for an extension of security updates beyond one year for individual users.

Winsage

September 24, 2025

Microsoft Extends Free Windows 10 Security Updates

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14. To address user concerns, it will offer European users free security updates for an additional year if they log in with a Microsoft account. In the U.S., users can upload their Windows 10 profiles to Microsoft’s backup service for free updates, pay for an extension, or redeem Microsoft Rewards points. Advocacy groups in Europe are calling for further concessions, with a petition for free updates until 2030. As of August 2025, approximately 650 million people worldwide were still using Windows 10.

Winsage

September 23, 2025

Sunset for Windows 10 updates leaves users in a bind

On October 14, Microsoft will stop providing updates for Windows 10, which has been essential for security and functionality since its release in 2015. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11, but many devices may not be compatible. Microsoft is offering a one-year extension of security updates for Windows 10 at a cost. Approximately 650 million users were still using Windows 10 as of August, with up to 400 million computers potentially unable to upgrade to Windows 11. Without updates, users will be more vulnerable to cyberattacks and may face difficulties installing new third-party software. Alternatives include using antivirus software temporarily or switching to an open-source operating system like Linux.