Microsoft Caves to Pressure,Offers Free Windows 10 Security Updates in Europe
Brussels,belgium – Microsoft has been compelled to provide free extended security updates for Windows 10 to consumers in the European Economic Area (EEA),reversing a previous requirement that users enable Windows Backup to access the updates. The change comes less than three weeks before Windows 10 reaches its end of support on October 14th.
The move follows sustained pressure from the consumer advocacy group Euroconsumers, which argued that requiring Windows Backup created an unfair advantage for Microsoft. Windows Backup utilizes onedrive and could have pushed users to purchase additional storage space beyond the initial 5GB of free allocation.
“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),” Euroconsumers stated in a letter released this week. “We are also glad this option will not require users to back up settings, apps, or credentials, or use Microsoft Rewards.”
Previously, Microsoft had intended to require Windows Backup activation for the extra year of security updates. An unnamed Microsoft spokesperson confirmed the change to Windows Central,stating the company is “making updates to the enrollment process to ensure it meets local expectations and delivers a secure,streamlined experience.”
Tho, the free updates are limited to the EEA. Users outside of the region will still need to either enable Windows Backup, pay $30 for a year of updates, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points to continue receiving security patches.
The extended security updates for consumers will remain available only until October 13th, 2026.Businesses can purchase up to three years of additional security updates beyond that date.Euroconsumers continues to advocate for a longer extension of security updates for all Windows 10 users, warning that limiting the timeframe leaves devices “exposed to risk.”
