[Updated] Microsoft Accepts to Make Windows 10 Extended Security Updates Free for EU Consumers

Microsoft has agreed to make Windows 10 Extended Security Updates truly free for consumers in the European Economic Area (EEA) following pressure from consumer organizations. Windows 10 users in the area will no longer need to use Windows Backup and a Microsoft account or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points to get one year of extended security updates for free.

As reported by Windows Central, the multinational consumer group Euroconsumers has been pushing Microsoft to make Windows 10 ESU truly free in the EU. In the US, Consumer Reports did the same and criticized Microsoft for forcing the use of its products, like Microsoft Rewards, in exchange for its free support option. However, Euroconsumers alleged that Microsoft’s free alternatives to the $30 payment for one year of ESU updates were not compliant with the EU’s Digital Markets Act.

“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),” the Euroconsumers group wrote in a letter. “We are also glad this option will not require users to back up settings, apps, or credentials, or use Microsoft Rewards. 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.”

In a statement shared with Windows Central, Microsoft confirmed that it was making Windows 10 ESU completely free in the EEA. “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,” the company said.

In practice, Windows 10 users in the EEA will need to stay signed in with a personal Microsoft account to receive ESU updates. “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,” Microsoft explained.

Alternatively, EU users who prefer not to stay signed in to their Microsoft account will be able to enroll in ESU with a one-time purchase of $30 USD. However, using that paid option will still require them to sign in with their MSA to enroll in ESU, though switching back to a local account will remain possible.

Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn’t seem ready to implement these changes globally, at least for now. Windows 10 will reach the end of its support on October 14, 2025, and consumers will only be able to receive free security updates until October 2026. Organizations, however, will be able to pay for extended security updates for up to three years.

Updated September 26 11:45 AM PT: I’ve updated the post after Microsoft clarified the two options for consumers in the EEA, which will require using a Microsoft account.