Microsoft has recently taken steps to address the concerns of its users regarding the impending end of support for Windows 10, which is set to occur on October 14. This decision has raised alarms among consumer advocacy groups and users alike, who are apprehensive about potential vulnerabilities to cyber threats should they be unable to upgrade to Windows 11.
Extended Security Updates Offered
In a bid to alleviate these worries, Microsoft announced that European users will receive essential security updates free of charge for an additional year, provided they log in with a Microsoft account. This extension is a response to the growing demand for more flexible options as the deadline approaches.
Previously, Microsoft had offered a one-year extension of security updates for a fee of US to users whose hardware does not support Windows 11. However, in the United States, the tech giant is now providing a complimentary option that allows users to upload their Windows 10 profiles to Microsoft’s backup service, thus securing updates for up to one year without any cost.
- US users can choose from the following options:
- Upload their Windows 10 profiles to Microsoft’s backup service for free updates.
- Pay US for the extension.
- Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, which can be earned through various activities on Microsoft platforms.
In Europe, advocacy groups have been vocal about the need for further concessions. The French organization Halte a l’Obsolescence Programmee (HOP) has initiated a petition calling for free updates to be available until 2030. Meanwhile, Germany’s Verbraucherzentrale consumer federation has expressed concerns, stating that Microsoft’s decision “worries consumers and limits their ability to make free purchasing choices.”
As of August 2025, an estimated 650 million people worldwide were still utilizing Windows 10, highlighting the significance of these developments for a substantial user base. Microsoft’s recent announcements reflect a recognition of the need for continued support and security in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
