Microsoft originally wanted to end support for Windows 10 in mid-October 2025. Now things are different: users in the European Union will receive free updates for another year.
A step that made it easier for many – and that consumer advocates made possible in the first place.
Microsoft is changing its plans
Table of Contents
For a long time, October 14, 2025 was announced as the final end of Windows 10. Microsoft had been urging users for months to switch to Windows 11 or buy new devices that already run the current system. It was actually intended that Windows 10 users would have to pay for additional security updates – around 30 euros per year. Alternatively, they should meet certain conditions, for example linking their Microsoft account with the Windows Backup cloud service or redeeming 1,000 so-called Microsoft Reward points. This regulation is now completely eliminated. (Source: Windows Central)
Consumer advocates are prevailing
The decision is no coincidence. The European consumer protection organization Euroconsumers had defended itself against Microsoft’s original approach. She was of the opinion that the requirements would give the company an undue advantage and would therefore violate the EU law “Digital Markets Act”. Microsoft responded and confirmed to Windows Central magazine that the registration process had been adjusted for the entire European Economic Area. In a statement from Euroconsumers it says that it is pleased that Microsoft is offering all private users in the EU a free option for extended security updates.
Registration remains mandatory
But you can’t do it without registering: If you want to receive the updates, you need a Microsoft account and have to use it to log in to your computer. In addition, registration in the so-called ESU tool is necessary. If you do not log in for a longer period of time, the updates will automatically stop after around 60 days. According to Microsoft, in this case it is enough to log in again and confirm the registration so that the updates run again.
Criticism: Problem just moved
The German Federal Association of Consumer Organizations welcomes the extension, but warns that Microsoft is only postponing the problem for a year. It should finally end after October 14, 2026.
Michaela Schröder, Head of Consumer Policy, explains:
“Windows 10 becomes insecure, the laptop still works, but many devices are not compatible with Windows 11. Users are then again faced with the choice of buying new hardware or continuing to work without protection.” It demands that operating systems be provided with updates for significantly longer and that their lifespan does not solely depend on a company’s decision. Windows 10 has been available since 2015. With the extension to 2026, Microsoft will support the system for a total of eleven years – a period of time that is quite considerable in the technology world.
