Microsoft offers Windows 10 users free extended security updates in the EEA
Microsoft gives Windows 10 users in the EAA extended security updates following pushback
Following pushback from the Euroconsumers and other organisations, Microsoft has offered Windows 10 users in the EEA (European Economic Area) a free year of Extended Support Updates (ESU) for their OS. All this free upgrade requires is that users sign into their PCs with a Microsoft account.
The EEA comprises Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and all 27 member states of the European Union. It does not include the United Kingdom (UK). Users outside the EEA must take additional steps to obtain an extra year of ESU update coverage. This includes;
- Use Windows Backup to sync your settings to the cloud-at no additional cost..
- Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points-at no additional cost..
- Pay $30 USD (local pricing may vary).
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. Our goal is to support customers and provide them with options as they transition to Windows 11, with uninterrupted access to critical security updates.
Extended Support Updates (ESU) coverage for consumer systems will provide Windows 10 users with security updates until October 14, 2026. This gives Windows 10 users more time to move to a new OS. Since Windows 11 has higher hardware requirements than Windows 10, many Windows 10 users need to purchase new PCs to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
Microsoft is still facing backlash for its decision to drop mainstream security support for Windows 10. In 2015, Microsoft’s Jerry Nixon said that Windows 10 would be the “last version of Windows”, implying that the OS would be supported indefinitely. This changed with the unveiling of Windows 11 in 2021.
You can join the discussion on Windows 10 getting a year of extra updates for users in the EEA on the OC3D Forums.
