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Millions still use Windows 10, but mainstream support ends on October 14, 2025, meaning security fixes would stop and risk exposure to malware and attacks. That’s a real worry for home users, small shops, and anyone who can’t instantly upgrade hardware or move to Windows 11. With the launch of Windows 10 Extended Security Updates Europe for the EU, Microsoft now gives consumers in the European Economic Area a free, one-year path to Extended Security Updates (ESU) — a short, critical breathing space that removes a costly barrier and helps people buy time to upgrade safely. Below I explain who qualifies, the practical catches (yes, the Microsoft account requirement matters), how to enroll, and a migration roadmap you can use today.
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What Microsoft is offering
Microsoft will make Windows 10 consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) available at no additional cost for eligible consumer devices in the European Economic Area (EEA) through 13 October 2026. The program delivers critical and important security fixes for eligible Windows 10 devices (version 22H2) after mainstream support ends on 14 October 2025.
The most important facts about Windows 10 extended security updates europe
Who gets the free ESU: Consumer Windows 10 devices located in the EEA (EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway).
Which editions: Windows 10 Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Workstations running version 22H2 (latest updates applied).
How long: Free consumer ESU is available through 13 October 2026.
Account & enrollment: Enrollment links an ESU license to a Microsoft Account (MSA) used during sign-in; Microsoft warns that if the MSA used for enrollment isn’t used to sign in for a period of time (up to 60 days), ESU updates can be discontinued until re-enrollment.
Not for enterprises: Enterprise/Education commercial devices follow separate paid ESU terms and are not covered by the consumer free option.
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Why Microsoft changed course
European consumer groups, notably Euroconsumers, raised legal and policy concerns about Microsoft’s earlier ESU conditions — which had effectively tied free updates to cloud backup options or other paid/conditional routes that critics said conflicted with EU consumer protections and the Digital Markets Act. Microsoft’s decision to remove the backup/paid-storage condition for EEA consumers and provide a no-cost option reflects that regulatory pressure and a desire to align with local expectations. Euroconsumers publicly welcomed the change while noting several points still need clarification.
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The practical catches
Most headlines stop at “free for a year.” That’s true — but the practical reality matters:
1. Microsoft account dependency (operational catch).
Even with the free EEA path, ESU enrollment uses a Microsoft Account and the license is associated with that account. Microsoft states that if the Microsoft account used to enroll is not used to sign in for up to 60 days, updates may be discontinued and you’ll need to re-enroll. In real terms, rarely-used or offline devices are the most likely to lose coverage.
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2. ESU ≠ feature updates.
ESU supplies security fixes only — no new features, performance upgrades, or driver guarantees. If you need app compatibility or new features, migration is still the answer.
3. One year is planning time, not forever.
The free ESU window ends October 13, 2026. Use it to test, budget, and migrate — don’t treat it as an excuse to indefinitely delay upgrades.
4. Two-tier global experience.
EEA consumers get a simpler, free option; users outside Europe still face conditions or fees. If you operate cross-border, plan for different device policies and communications.
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Step-by-step: How to check eligibility and enroll
Confirm Windows version: Settings → System → About → ensure Windows 10, Version 22H2.
Update the PC: Install the latest Windows updates (Windows Update) so the enrollment option appears.
Back up important data now: ESU protects against vulnerabilities — not accidental data loss. Use an external drive or cloud backup you trust.
Enroll: Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → Enroll in ESU (you’ll be prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account if you use a local account). Follow the on-screen prompts.
Keep the account active: Make sure the enrolled Microsoft Account is used to sign in periodically (avoid long gaps). Microsoft says ESU can be discontinued if the MSA isn’t used within a defined period (up to 60 days).
Plan migration during the year: Test hardware for Windows 11 compatibility, schedule replacements, or create a staged upgrade plan.
Mini case study — practical example
Small cafe POS laptop — The cafe runs a Windows 10 Pro laptop that fails the Windows 11 TPM requirement. The owner enrolls in the EEA free ESU with a Microsoft account, keeps the device patched while she tests replacement hardware during the free year, and schedules a quiet migration next spring. Key win: no rushed purchases and minimal downtime.
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Risk mitigation for devices you can’t upgrade
Network isolation: Put legacy devices on a segmented network or VLAN.
Endpoint protection: Add reputable antivirus/endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions.
Minimal exposure: Disable unnecessary services and restrict remote access.
Backups: Ensure offline backups exist in case of compromise.
Key Takeaways
Windows 10 Extended Security Updates for the EU gives EEA consumers a free, one-year ESU window through 13 Oct 2026 — a breathing space to migrate securely.
Enrollment requires a Microsoft Account and the ESU license is tied to that account; inactivity (up to 60 days) may suspend updates.
This change followed pressure from consumer groups (Euroconsumers) that challenged Microsoft’s earlier conditions.
ESU delivers security fixes only — not feature or driver support. Treat it as a temporary safety net, not a long-term solution.
Non-EEA users and organizations still face different terms (paid ESU options or standard enterprise agreements).
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FAQs (People Also Ask)
Q: Who qualifies for the free ESU in Europe?
EEA consumer devices running Windows 10 version 22H2 (Home, Pro, Pro Education, Workstation) that meet Microsoft’s enrollment prerequisites. Commercial/enterprise devices follow separate paid terms.
Q: Do I have to pay anything to get ESU in the EU?
For eligible consumer devices in the EEA, ESU is available at no additional cost through the program’s end date (13 Oct 2026). Other enrollment methods (Rewards or one-time purchase) remain options for those outside the EEA or who prefer them.
Q: Will ESU keep my Windows 10 PC safe forever?
No — ESU provides critical and important security updates only through the program end. It’s temporary (one year free for EEA consumers) and should be used to safely migrate to Windows 11 or replace hardware.
Q: Why did Microsoft change the rules for Europe?
Consumer advocacy and regulatory scrutiny (notably from Euroconsumers) pushed Microsoft to remove certain conditional requirements and offer a no-cost consumer ESU option in the EEA that better aligns with EU consumer protections.
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Conclusion
If you’re in the EEA and run Windows 10: check Windows version, back up, and enroll now so your device receives security fixes automatically. If you manage more than one machine, create a simple register of enrolled devices and the Microsoft account used for each — and set a calendar reminder to sign in at least once every 60 days to avoid accidental suspension. If you’re outside the EEA, review Microsoft’s ESU pages and plan an accelerated upgrade. For hands-on migration help, check SmashingApps’ Windows 11 upgrade guides and device-selection posts to build a low-risk rollout plan.
Enroll eligible devices today and use the free ESU year to test upgrades and replace unsupported hardware with minimal risk.
To stay safe and productive, Microsoft advises upgrading to Windows 11 before the deadline.
Official sources
Microsoft — Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) (enrollment, eligibility, and program dates). Microsoft
Euroconsumers — Response and letter regarding Microsoft’s Windows 10 ESU changes. Euroconsumers
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