- Microsoft will provide one year of free security updates for Windows 10 in the EEA until October 13, 2026.
- You don't need to pay or use Rewards or Windows Backup—all you need is a Microsoft account and Windows 10 up to date.
- Requirements: Windows 10 22H2, latest updates installed, and access to Windows Update for enrollment.
- Outside Europe, ESU requires payment (around 30), Rewards points, or cloud backup.
Just a few days before the end of Windows 10 mainstream support, The story takes a turn for European users: the security extension comes free of charge for another year.. This will allow continue receiving critical patches on PCs that are unwilling or unable to upgrade to Windows 11.
The measure, as a result of pressure from organizations such as Euroconsumers and the OCU within the framework of the Digital Markets LawThis means that millions of computers in Spain and the rest of the EEA will continue to be protected while the future of the hardware is decided or an orderly migration is planned.
What has changed and why in Europe
Microsoft has confirmed that individuals in the European Economic Area will get an additional year of Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 without paying or meeting requirements such as redeeming points or enabling cloud backups. Support will be extended. until October 13 from 2026 with monthly security patches.
This move follows a response from consumer groups, who questioned linking essential patches to the company's own services. In response, the tech company has indicated that it is adjusting the EEA registration process to “meet local expectations” and facilitate a safe transition to Windows 11 when each user considers it.
It is important to be clear that the ESU include security and critical bug fixes, but no new product updates or new features. For that, you'll need to update to a later version of the system whenever possible.
In practice, European users will see these updates at no additional cost, as long as their equipment is meet the conditions of Windows 10 valid and registration is managed from Windows Update when the warning appears.
Who is eligible: requirements and compatible versions
To qualify for the free program in the EEA, your PC must be up to date. The basic requirement is to run Windows 10 version 22H2 in Home, Pro, Pro Education, or Workstation editions, with the latest updates installed.
In addition, it is advisable to use the account with permissions of administrator on the computer and link a valid Microsoft account to the system, as the ESU license is associated with that identity. Child accounts can have limitations.
- Have Windows 10 22:2 (Home, Pro, Pro Education or Workstations).
- Install all updates available from Windows Update (including the latest one, for example, the update package) August 2025 KB5063709).
- Log in with a microsoft account on the computer and use an administrator account for registration.
- Keep Windows Update active to receive the latest updates. monthly patches.
If you meet these points, the system will be ready to join the additional year of patches at no cost within the EEA, without extra steps such as payments, Microsoft Rewards or cloud copies.
How to activate free updates on your PC
La Registration is done from the system configuration itself. In many European teams A notice will appear in Windows Update inviting you to join the Extended Security Program for free. When you see it, follow these steps:
- Balance Win + I to Open Settings and go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Find the Windows 10 end of support notice and the option to extend security for a year.
- Choose Sign up now and confirm with Next to complete the registration
- Wait till I know Download and install the package that enables the ESU; from there, You will continue to receive patches until October 2026.
Although Microsoft has not specified whether there is a deadline to sign up before the end of general support (October 14, 2025), The prudent thing is to prepare the equipment now, meet the requirements and keep an eye on Windows Update.
Outside the EU: available options and costs
in other regions The additional year of security is not free under the same conditions. Users who do not reside in the EEA must choose between paying the annual fee (around 30), Redeem 1.000 Microsoft Rewards points o activate backup using Windows Backup, linked to OneDrive.
This last alternative (OneDrive) This may involve uploading documents and settings to the cloud and exceeding the free 5GB., forcing a payment plan to be considered if the backup does not fit in that space. In companies, the ESU program can also be extended to three years with increasing rates per device.
Whatever the path out of the EEA, The goal is to keep Windows 10 computers protected from critical vulnerabilities while plan the transition to a more current system or another platform.
Key dates, scope of support, and next steps
Standard free support for Windows 10 ends on 14th October 2025In the EEA, with ESU enrollment, security patches will continue until 13th October 2026. There will be no new features: we are talking about security updates and critical corrections.
Those who cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to requirements such as TPM 2.0 or an incompatible CPU have an additional year to evaluate options.: hardware upgrade, migration to Windows 11, use of long-term support editions, or consider alternatives like Linux. There are also thirdparty services that offer patches, although it is advisable to check their reliability and conditions.
For the European home user, The simplest plan is to keep the system at 22H2, Link your Microsoft account and follow the prompts. Windows Update. With this, patches will continue to arrive automatically during the extended period.
With an additional year of margin at no cost in Europe, the priority is to secure your Windows 10 With ESUs, keep your equipment up to date and calmly decide to upgrade when your hardware and needs allow, avoiding setbacks and unnecessary expenses.
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