Microsoft has announced a significant shift in its approach to supporting Windows 10 users in the European Economic Area (EEA), offering an extended support option without additional costs. This decision comes in response to feedback from Euroconsumers, a consumer rights group based in Luxembourg and Brussels, which argued that the previous policy did not align with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) or the EU’s sustainability objectives.
Extended Security Updates for Windows 10
Initially, Microsoft had informed users globally that they could obtain a year of extended security updates following the end-of-life (EOL) date of October 14, 2025, for a one-time fee of . In June, the company introduced a “free” alternative, allowing users to utilize Microsoft Reward Points or Windows Backup for cloud synchronization to access these updates. However, Euroconsumers deemed these options insufficient.
In a July correspondence, Euroconsumers expressed concerns that the policy did not meet the requirements set forth by the DMA or the Digital Content Directive. The group highlighted that the previous conditions imposed on users could hinder compliance with the EU’s sustainability goals.
In a recent letter, Marco Scialdone, Euroconsumers’ head of litigation, conveyed satisfaction with Microsoft’s revised stance. He stated, “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).” While users will still need a Microsoft account to access the ESU, Euroconsumers believes this requirement does not infringe upon the DMA.
Scialdone further noted, “We are also glad this option will not require users to back up settings, apps, or credentials, or use Microsoft Rewards.” The previous stipulation that users engage with other services to secure support had raised significant concerns regarding compliance with the DMA.
Despite this positive development, Euroconsumers maintains that Microsoft’s response does not fully address the broader issues raised in their initial letter. The group argues that the one-year extension does not align with the spirit of the Digital Content Directive or the EU’s overarching sustainability goals. They emphasize that the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 necessitates new hardware for many users due to the Trusted Platform Module requirement, which could impose a substantial financial burden.
According to estimates, over 850 million active devices still rely on Windows 10 and may be unable to upgrade due to hardware limitations. Scialdone’s letter contrasts this situation with previous upgrades from Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 10, which did not carry such restrictions. He pointed out that a significant portion of consumers—22 percent—are still using PCs or laptops from 2017 or earlier, which cannot be upgraded to Windows 11 but continue to meet their everyday needs.
As Euroconsumers seeks to engage in ongoing discussions with Microsoft over the next year, the organization aims to advocate for extended device protection for consumers. The implications of this policy change for Windows 10 users in the UK remain uncertain, and inquiries directed to Microsoft have yet to yield a response. The anticipation surrounding this matter continues, as stakeholders await clarity on the future of Windows 10 support beyond the impending EOL date.
