Microsoft will offer free extended security updates for Windows 10 users in the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and all 27 European Union member states.
This announcement follows Microsoft's statement in June that home users will be able to enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program at no additional cost, using their Microsoft Rewards points or by enabling Windows Backup.
The company took this decision following pressure from Euroconsumers, a large Luxembourg-based consumer protection organization that represents a consumer base of 1.5 million households across Europe and Brazil.
"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," Euroconsumers said in a letter to Microsoft.
"This was our main Digital Markets Act (DMA) related concern, as linking access to essential security updates to engagement with Microsoft's own services raised reasonable doubt of compliance with obligations under Article 6(6) of the DMA."
The consumer advocacy group also requested that Microsoft postpone the Windows 10 end-of-support date beyond October 14, 2025, noting that previous versions, such as Windows 7 and Windows XP, were supported for more than 7 years after Windows 8 and Windows Vista were introduced.
While Microsoft didn't reply to a request for comment when BleepingComputer reached out earlier today, a Redmond spokesperson confirmed the decision in a statement shared with Windows Central earlier today.
"In the European Economic Area, we're making updates to the enrollment process to ensure it meets local expectations and delivers a secure, streamlined experience," Microsoft said. "Our goal is to support customers and provide them with options as they transition to Windows 11, with uninterrupted access to critical security updates."
Microsoft will stop providing bug fixes and security updates to address newly discovered vulnerabilities, leaving unpatched systems vulnerable to attacks and malware, after Windows 10 reaches the end of support on October 14.
Two weeks ago, the company advised Windows 10 users to upgrade eligible systems to Windows 11 or migrate to Windows 11 in the cloud with Windows 365 if they want their devices to keep receiving bug fixes and security updates.
... continue reading