Free ESUs for another year in Europe
Microsoft has confirmed it will extend Windows 10 security updates by an additional year at no cost, but only for customers in the European Economic Area (EEA).
The move means users across the EEA will be able to access the Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme until 14th October 2026, without the previously required conditions such as cloud backup or Microsoft Rewards enrolment. However, they will still need to register with a Microsoft account and re-authenticate every 60 days.
The decision follows pressure from consumer groups including Euroconsumers, which had raised concerns that Microsoft’s approach to the ESU scheme conflicted with the EU’s Digital Markets Act by placing unnecessary conditions on access.
In a statement, Microsoft said: “In the European Economic Area, we’re making updates to the enrolment process to ensure it meets local expectations and delivers a secure, streamlined experience. Our goal is to support customers and provide them with options as they transition to Windows 11, with uninterrupted access to critical security updates.”
For users outside of Europe, the original conditions remain. Access to ESUs after the October 2025 end-of-support deadline will require either syncing PC settings to the cloud, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, or paying $30.
The company continues to encourage migration to Windows 11, but with hundreds of millions of Windows 10 devices still active worldwide, the additional year of updates will provide European users with some breathing space.