Microsoft has announced a significant update regarding its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 users in the European Economic Area (EEA). The tech giant will now provide free access to these critical security updates for an additional year, extending the deadline to October 14, 2026. This decision alleviates previous requirements that mandated users to sign in with a Microsoft account and sync their PC settings to the cloud to receive these updates.
Changes Following User Advocacy
This shift comes in response to challenges posed by Euroconsumers, an organization advocating for consumer rights. They questioned Microsoft’s initial decision to tie access to the ESU program to conditions that seemed to favor the company’s financial interests under the Digital Markets Act. In a recent communication, Euroconsumers shared that Microsoft has confirmed the new terms, stating:
“We are pleased to learn that Microsoft will provide a no-cost Extended Security Updates (ESU) option for Windows 10 consumer users in the European Economic Area (EEA). We are also glad this option will not require users to back up settings, apps, or credentials, or use Microsoft Rewards.”
This development essentially grants EEA users an extra year of security updates for Windows 10 without the previously necessary conditions. While users will still need to opt into the extended security updates, the removal of the Microsoft account sign-in requirement is a notable victory for consumer convenience.
Implications for Users Outside the EEA
For those residing outside the EEA, the situation remains unchanged for the time being. Access to the ESU program will still necessitate one of the following options:
- Sign in with a Microsoft account and sync PC settings to the cloud
- Pay a fee of
- Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points
Alternatively, users can consider upgrading to Windows 11 or exploring other operating systems if they prefer not to engage further with Microsoft’s ecosystem. With hundreds of millions of Windows 10 PCs still actively in use worldwide, the upcoming end of support date on October 14, 2025, looms large for many. However, for users in the EEA, the extension of free access to essential security updates until October 2026 provides a welcome reprieve.