<p>Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 users in the European Economic Area (EEA) will get an extra year of free security updates, extending support until October 14, 2026. Unlike before, users won’t have to sign in with a Microsoft account, sync PC settings to the cloud, or use reward points to join the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1572" src="https://www.wincert.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/win10.jpg" alt="windows 10;quick access" width="720" height="340" /></p>
<p>The company confirmed this change after pressure from consumer groups like Euroconsumers, which argued that Microsoft’s original plan violated the Digital Markets Act by tying access to conditions that benefited the company. Following these complaints, Microsoft simplified the process, ensuring that users in Europe can enroll in ESU without extra requirements.</p>
<p>This essentially extends Windows 10&#8217;s life in the EEA by another year, keeping PCs protected against security threats even after the official end-of-support date in October 2025. Users will still need to opt in to ESU, but the process will now be frictionless and cost-free.</p>
<p>Outside of Europe, nothing changes, as users elsewhere will still need to either pay $30, redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, or link their PC to a Microsoft account to keep receiving updates. Alternatively, they’ll have to move to Windows 11 or switch to another operating system entirely.</p>
<p>With hundreds of millions of devices still running Windows 10, this extension is a big relief for EEA users. For everyone else, Microsoft’s push toward Windows 11 continues.</p>