Microsoft is bringing a major change that will allow users in the European Economic Area to receive completely free security updates for Windows 10once support ends.
The end of support for Windows 10 is approaching (in less than three weeks), and Microsoft has been forced to offer security updates for free, without restrictions, in some markets in Europe. When Windows 10 reaches end of support on October 14, some European customers will no longer need to enable Windows Backup to enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU).
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Microsoft had been asking everyone to enable Windows Backup to get the extra update time, but thanks to pressure from the group Euroconsumers, that's changing in the European Economic Area. The advocacy group has been calling on Microsoft to do more for those still using Windows 10 across Europe, and has managed to convince the software giant to offer the security extensions for free without requiring Windows Backup to be enabled.
Windows 10: Security extensions via Windows Backup (or not?)
Windows Backup requires a Microsoft Account and uses OneDrive. The problem with this is that consumers may need to go beyond the 5GB of free storage by backing up documents and settings. This is a trap that benefits Microsoft, as it can then sell Windows 10 users additional OneDrive storage.
“We are pleased to learn that Microsoft will provide a free Extended Security Update (ESU) option for Windows 10 consumers in the European Economic Area (EEA), ” the Euroconsumers group said in a letter this week. “We are also pleased that this option will not require users to back up settings, apps or credentials or use Microsoft Rewards.”
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An unnamed Microsoft spokesperson confirmed the changes to Windows Central, noting that “we’re making updates to the sign-up process to ensure it meets local expectations and provides a secure, simplified experience.” These changes are only happening in the European Economic Area. Everywhere else, users will need to either enable Windows Backup, pay $30 for the year, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
Consumers will continue to receive security updates for Windows 10 until October 13, 2026, but businesses have the option to purchase up to three years of critical security updates. Euroconsumers is also trying to convince Microsoft to extend security updates beyond one year for consumers to avoid exposing devices to “risk” next year.
However, Microsoft's decision to make security updates free in the European Economic Area is a rare victory for consumers against a tech giant. The move is not just technical or procedural; it goes to the heart of how big software companies handle the end of support for operating systems that are still used by millions of users.
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The pressure from Euroconsumers reveals the growing power of advocacy groups, which are calling on technology providers to protect users who cannot or do not want to upgrade immediately. Microsoft, which had tied access to updates to Windows Backup and OneDrive, has faced criticism that it was exploiting security for commercial gain.
Although the changes are limited to Europe, the message is clear: consumers demand a right to basic cybersecurity, regardless of business models. The debate over whether Microsoft should extend support beyond 2026 remains open, but the development shows that collective pressure can influence the strategies of technology giants.
In an era when cybercrime is on the rise, security cannot be considered a privilege, but an inalienable right of every user.
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