Microsoft’s Free Windows 10 Security Updates Exclude US and UK Until 2026
▼ Summary
– Windows 10 users can receive free extended security updates (ESU) until October 13, 2026 by logging in with a Microsoft account, but this is only available in the European Economic Area (EEA).
– Outside the EEA, users must pay $30, enable Windows Backup, or use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points to enroll in the ESU program.
– This free ESU program for the EEA resulted from pressure by the consumer protection organization Euroconsumers, which argued Microsoft’s initial offer was insufficient.
– Euroconsumers criticizes the ESU as a short-term solution and notes Microsoft is phasing out Windows 10 support faster than it did for previous operating systems like Windows 7.
– The author highlights the practical issue of functional older hardware, like a 2009 HP computer, being left unsupported by new OS requirements, affecting many users.
Finding a way to keep older computers secure after Microsoft ends mainstream support can feel like an uphill battle. For many users, upgrading to Windows 11 simply isn’t an option due to its strict hardware requirements, leaving functional machines potentially vulnerable. However, a new program offers a lifeline, though its availability depends heavily on where you live.
A personal situation highlights this dilemma. When checking an older HP desktop from 2009, it became clear that an official upgrade path to Windows 11 was blocked. With official support for Windows 10 ending on October 14, 2025, the machine faced an uncertain future. Yet, a surprisingly simple solution has emerged for some users: free extended security updates (ESU) for Windows 10 are available until October 2026.
The process is straightforward. By simply logging into the Windows 10 machine with a Microsoft account, users can enroll in the program. This ensures the operating system continues to receive vital security patches, protecting it from newly discovered threats. There is a minor condition; if the account isn’t used to log in for more than 60 days, the updates will stop, but re-enrolling is reportedly an easy process.
The significant catch, however, is geographic. This free ESU program is exclusively available to individuals within the European Economic Area (EEA), which encompasses the 27 EU member states. This means residents of the United States and the United Kingdom, among other regions, are not eligible for the no-cost option. This creates a clear disparity in how Microsoft supports its users based on location.
This policy shift followed pressure from Euroconsumers, a Luxembourg-based consumer protection organization. Microsoft had initially announced that Home users could get extended updates at no extra charge by using Microsoft Rewards points or by enabling Windows Backup. The advocacy group’s efforts led to the more direct free access for EEA consumers.
Despite this concession, Euroconsumers has expressed ongoing concerns. The organization points out that the ESU program is limited to just one year, after which devices become exposed to security risks. They argue that this short-term measure is insufficient for a product that remains widely used. They also highlighted that Microsoft appears to be phasing out Windows 10 on a much faster timeline compared to previous operating systems, like the extended support Windows 7 received after Windows 8 launched.
For those outside the favored regions, the options are less convenient. Microsoft provides a dedicated webpage outlining the alternatives, which include enabling Windows Backup, spending 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or paying a one-time fee of $61 to receive security updates for another year. This discrepancy underscores the impact of regional consumer advocacy and leaves many users with a less ideal set of choices for keeping their older PCs safe.
(Source: PC Gamer)
