Consumers will continue to get free security updates for their Windows 10 devices for another year, following a cave in by Microsoft.
Microsoft is now offering free extended security updates for Windows 10 users in the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and all 27 European Union member states. The updates will be available until October 2026, instead of ending next month.
This June, Microsoft said home users will be able to enrol into the Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme “at no additional cost”, by using Microsoft Rewards points or by enabling Windows Backup.
But consumer groups didn’t like these hurdles to get “free” support, and protested.
Microsoft said: "In the European Economic Area, we're making updates to the enrolment 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."
Just two weeks ago, Redmond had advised Windows 10 users to upgrade systems to Windows 11, or migrate to Windows 11 in the cloud with Windows 365, if they wanted their devices to keep receiving security updates.
Microsoft confirmed that home users will only get the extended security updates if they log in to Windows, and enrol using a Microsoft account, and stay signed in.
Companies will still have to pay to receive extended Windows 10 support.
