Microsoft will offer a free year of Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 consumers in the European Economic Area, extending critical patches through October 14th, 2026. The change gives millions of PCs an extra year of fixes after Windows 10 reaches end of support on October 14th, 2025.

Availability and rollout

The no-cost ESU applies to consumer devices located in the EEA (EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway). Updates are delivered via the standard Windows Update channel after enrollment in the ESU program.

Microsoft’s Windows 10 ESU program details and eligibility are outlined on its official page for Extended Security Updates for Windows here.

Compatibility and requirements

Enrollment no longer requires enabling Windows Backup or syncing data to OneDrive. However, devices must still be enrolled in ESU and periodically authenticated with a Microsoft account to retain access to updates.

  • Eligible editions: Windows 10 Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Pro for Workstations.
  • Version: Windows 10 version 22H2 with the latest cumulative updates installed.
  • Sign-in cadence: Microsoft account authentication is required roughly every 60 days to keep updates flowing.
  • Scope: Consumer devices only; commercial and education customers continue under separate paid terms.

Regional differences and pricing

Region Cost Key requirements Duration Notes
EEA (consumers) Free Enroll in ESU; Microsoft account sign-in at least every 60 days Through October 14, 2026 No cloud backup or Microsoft Rewards needed
Outside EEA (consumers) $30/year (or conditional options) Enable Windows Backup and sync settings, or pay $30, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points Post–October 14, 2025 per ESU term Cloud backup requirement remains for the free path

Regulatory context

The European offer follows pressure from consumer groups over tying essential security updates to cloud features or reward programs. The new process removes those conditions in the EEA while maintaining basic account-based enrollment to manage access and delivery.

With Windows 10 nearing its end-of-support milestone next year, the free ESU in Europe buys time for upgrades—but security patches stop again in 2026, so migration planning shouldn’t wait.