Windows 10 end of support is approaching in less than three weeks, and Microsoft has now been forced to make its extended security updates truly free, without a catch, in certain markets in Europe. When Windows 10 goes end of support on October 14th, some European customers will no longer be required to turn on Windows Backup to enroll into its Extended Security Updates (ESU).<\/p>\n
Microsoft had wanted everyone to turn on Windows Backup<\/a> to get the extra year of security updates, but thanks to pressure from the Euroconsumers group this is now changing in the European Economic Area. The consumer advocacy group has been asking Microsoft to do more for those still running Windows 10 across Europe, and it has successfully convinced the software giant to offer the extended security updates free without the requirement of enabling Windows Backup.<\/p>\n Windows Backup requires a Microsoft Account and uses OneDrive, which could lead consumers to go above the 5GB of free storage by having to back up documents and settings. It\u2019s a catch that benefits Microsoft, as it can then sell Windows 10 users additional OneDrive storage space.<\/p>\n \u201cWe 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),\u201d says the Euroconsumers group in a letter<\/a> this week. \u201cWe are also glad this option will not require users to back up settings, apps, or credentials, or use Microsoft Rewards.\u201d<\/p>\n