12 minutes ago3 min read
Windows 10 End of Support Microsoft Offers Free Updates in EU After Pressure
- AndroBranch
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Microsoft has now formally announced Windows 10 will lose its support on October 14, 2025. From that date on, the operating system will no longer be entitled to receive free periodic security updates and feature updates. In June, the company originally committed to providing an additional year of free security updates, but this came with a string attached customers were required to turn on Windows Backup via OneDrive, essentially giving Microsoft's cloud storage service access to their own files.
This condition generated instant controversy, as it linked necessary system security with cloud integration, raising privacy issues and driving users to possible OneDrive subscription fees after their free storage quota is reached. But recent events have brought great relief to users in the European Economic Area (EEA).
Microsoft Forced to Reverse Policy in Europe
After intense pressure from the advocacy group Euroconsumers, Microsoft has now been compelled to reverse its position. The business will offer Extended Security Updates (ESU) absolutely free for Windows 10 customers in the EEA. Most notably, this update is without any conditions requiring enabling Windows Backup, associating data with OneDrive, or becoming a member of Microsoft Rewards.
This translates to consumers within the EU and surrounding territories being able to still access important security updates after October 14, 2025, until October 13, 2026. The updated policy prevents users from being locked into cloud storage solutions or privacy concessions just to keep their PCs secure.
What About Users Outside the EEA?
While wonderful news for EEA users, the picture is still different for non-EEA users. Worldwide, Microsoft is holding to its previous plan:
Enable Windows Backup through OneDrive to be eligible for free security updates.
Or pay $30 annually for the Extended Security Updates program.
Some users might also exchange Microsoft Rewards points to continue their updates.
For non-EEA consumers, Microsoft's approach is viewed as yet another move towards its subscription-based model, where its core services are increasingly bundled up with cloud and premium offerings.
Consumer Advocacy and Privacy Concerns
The Euroconsumers group argued that Microsoft’s initial approach placed unnecessary obstacles in the way of basic security. By making security contingent on cloud storage, the company risked turning updates into a paid or data-driven model, which could have affected millions of Windows 10 users who are unwilling to migrate to Windows 11 just yet.
Euroconsumers highlighted that tying security updates to OneDrive could:
Force users beyond their free 5GB storage limit.
Create indirect costs through new subscription charges.
Compromise user privacy and data autonomy.
Thanks to their intervention, EEA consumers can now enjoy a full year of free and unconditional security coverage.
Extended Support for Organizations
Although individual consumers in the EEA will be given updates only until October 13, 2026, organizations have some leeway. Organizations are able to acquire up to three years' worth of Extended Security Updates to continue being protected while making mass migrations to Windows 11 or other platforms.
Still, Euroconsumers is calling on Microsoft to lengthen free consumer updates past 2026, claiming that support termination can make tens of millions at risk.
What This Does to Windows 10 Users
For users in the EEA:
You will still receive free security updates until October 13, 2026.
No need to turn on Windows Backup, connect OneDrive, or join Microsoft Rewards.
Your device will remain secure during the transition period without extra expense.
For users outside the EEA:
You have to decide between turning on OneDrive-based backup, paying $30 a year, or collecting rewards for updates.
Unless these steps are taken, your PC will no longer receive security updates after October 14, 2025.
This policy change underscores the role consumer activism and regulatory pressure play in influencing tech policies. Although Microsoft originally coupled Windows 10's long-term updates with its ecosystem strategy, consumer outcry in Europe has caused the company to rethink its strategy.
As Windows 10 nears the end of life, this updated choice ensures that European users numbering in the millions continue to be safeguarded without compromising on privacy or affordability. The action also serves as a precedent for the way large technology companies can be forced to provide more equitable and transparent policy when handling essential services like security. In the meantime, if you are a Windows 10 user in the EEA, you can rest assured that you are safeguarded for yet another year but internationally, Microsoft's approach remains further toward subscriptions and lock-ins of ecosystems.
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