Microsoft is making headlines into the weekend (1,2). The company has suddenly confirmed a surprising decision affecting millions of users. It is extending Windows 10 security updates for 12 months without any strings attached — almost.
This security update extension through October 2026 was already free. The only u-turn is that users in the European Economic Area (EEA) don’t need a OneDrive backup of their PC settings to secure the updates. It’s a u-turn — but you need to squint to see it.
Those users still need a Microsoft Account. Per Windows Latest, “Microsoft officials confirmed that you’ll still need a Microsoft account for ESU access in Europe.”
The over-excitement stemmed from a EuroConsumers letter: “We are pleased to learn that Microsoft will provide a no-cost ESU option for Windows 10 consumer users in the European Economic Area (EEA). We are also glad this option will not require users to back up settings, apps, or credentials, or use Microsoft Rewards.”
As we approach the end of September, at which point there will be just two weeks to Windows 10’s end-of-life, StatCounter’s data suggests there are still 42% of Windows users on the soon to retire version of the OS. That’s almost 600 million PCs.
Of that, somewhere between 200 and 400 million PCs don’t meet the technical hurdles for the Windows 11 upgrade. For those PC users, this ESU is a lifeline. The others should swallow hard and upgrade. It’s safer and more secure to shift to the new OS.
The ESU enrollment wizard is rolling out and Microsoft assures it will reach all Windows 10 users before the October 14 deadline. The widespread assumption is that the deadline to apply for the ESU is October 13, before end-of-life kicks in.
Microsoft has unsurprisingly confirmed that October’s security update — due in 10 days or so — will be the last for any users not enrolled in the ESU. After that those PCs will be exposed to new threats and vulnerabilities, which will not receive any form of fix.
Don’t leave it too late and risk missing the October 13 ESU deadline.