Microsoft’s Free Windows 10 Security Updates Now Mandatory in Europe
▼ Summary
– Microsoft is making Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) free without conditions for some customers in the European Economic Area.
– This change removes the previous requirement to enable Windows Backup, a result of pressure from the Euroconsumers consumer advocacy group.
– The Windows Backup requirement was seen as a “catch” that could push users to pay for additional OneDrive cloud storage.
– These free ESU changes are specific to the European market, while users elsewhere must still enable backup or pay a fee.
– The free security updates for consumers are currently limited to one year, ending in October 2026, and Euroconsumers is pushing for an extension.
With the official end of support for Windows 10 just weeks away, Microsoft is adjusting its policy for providing critical security patches to users in Europe. The company will now offer its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program at no cost to consumers within the European Economic Area, removing a previously mandatory condition. This change comes after significant pressure from consumer advocacy organizations, ensuring vital protection continues without requiring users to enable a specific system backup feature.
Initially, Microsoft’s plan required all users to activate Windows Backup to qualify for an additional year of security updates. This process involved linking a Microsoft Account and utilizing OneDrive cloud storage. For many, this could easily consume the standard 5GB of free storage, potentially creating an upsell opportunity for Microsoft to market paid storage plans. Following negotiations with the Euroconsumers group, the software giant has agreed to drop this prerequisite for EEA-based consumers.
The advocacy group expressed satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting that the free security updates will no longer be tied to backing up personal data or participating in the Microsoft Rewards program. A Microsoft representative acknowledged the adjustment, stating the enrollment process is being refined to align with local expectations and to provide a secure, straightforward user experience. It is important to note that this policy shift is geographically limited; consumers outside the EEA must still enable Windows Backup or pay an annual fee to receive the same protection.
Despite this win for European consumers, the extended security support remains time-bound. The free updates are currently scheduled to conclude on October 13, 2026, offering only a single additional year of coverage. Businesses, in contrast, have the option to purchase security updates for up to three years. Euroconsumers continues to lobby Microsoft to extend this safety net for consumers beyond one year, arguing that limiting support leaves millions of devices vulnerable to security threats after the new deadline passes.
(Source: The Verge)
