The day many Windows users have been dreading is inching closer: Windows 10’s end-of-life. In case you’ve managed to tune out Microsoft’s gazillion reminders (like stripping away features you love), support for the operating system ends this October. What this means is that Windows 10 will stop receiving software updates starting October 14, 2025.
Though Microsoft’s been doing everything it can to nudge people to upgrade to Windows 11, it’s also been loosening up every now and then and giving Windows 10 users a reason to stay put a little longer. For instance, in May, Microsoft decided to extend support for Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10 for three more years.
Then, in June, the Redmond-based giant added three completely free ways to enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program (instead of paying a $30 fee). But the free ways weren’t exactly free and came with strings attached (which I’ll explain below). Well, it looks like users can now stay on Windows 10 for another year and enroll in the Extended Security Updates program, but only if they meet one condition.
Users in Europe can stay on Windows 10 for free until 2026
As reported in a statement to Windows Latest, Microsoft has confirmed that it’ll allow regions in the European Economic Area (EEA) to continue receiving Windows 10 security updates without paying for Extended Security Updates (ESU). Microsoft said in a statement to Windows Latest:
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.
Microsoft suddenly had this change of heart because consumer defense organizations like Euroconsumers challenged its decision to lock access to the program behind conditions that essentially benefited the company monetarily.
Though users will still need to manually opt into extended security updates, they won’t need to pay or go through one of the free methods. Users outside the EEA will unfortunately still need to follow what Microsoft announced in June to get extended security updates for one more year if they aren’t willing to pay $30. They can either sign in with a Microsoft account and sync their PC settings to the cloud or redeem a thousand Microsoft Reward points.
Keep in mind that the ESU program only covers security updates. It won’t bring new features or quality-of-life improvements to Windows 10. Essentially, Microsoft is just patching vulnerabilities to keep the OS safe from attacks, not enhancing it in any way. Nonetheless, if you aren’t ready to bid farewell to Windows 10 just yet, want your PC to receive free security updates, and live in the EEA, you’re in luck!