Microsoft will offer free Windows 10 extended security updates in Europe

Update September 25, 14:58 EDT: In a follow-up statement after the article was published, Microsoft told BleepingComputer that EEA customers will only be able to get free Windows 10 extended security updates if they log in to Windows and enroll using a Microsoft account.

"Sign in to your PC with a Microsoft account (MSA) and stay signed in to receive ESU updates at no additional cost," a Microsoft spokesperson said. "If your MSA is not used to sign in for a period of up to 60 days, ESU updates will be discontinued, and you’ll need to re-enroll by signing in using the same MSA."

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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.

Users can delay switching to Windows 11 by enrolling in the ESU program, which costs $30 for home users and $61 per device for one year for enterprise customers. This program is also available for free to home users who enable Windows Backup to sync their data to the cloud or use Microsoft Rewards points to enroll.

According to Statcounter Global Stats, Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10's number of installs almost one year after rolling out to eligible devices, with over 49% of all Windows systems running Windows 11, compared to just over 45% on Windows 10.

Additionally, as of August 2025, Steam's Hardware & Software Survey indicates that 60% of gamers use Windows 11, while 35% use Windows 10.