European Union Forces Microsoft to Provide Free Windows 10 Security Updates
Microsoft is making Windows 10 Extended Security Updates free for consumers in the European Economic Area (EEA) after pressure under the EU’s Digital Markets Act, just ahead of Windows 10’s end of support on October 14, 2025. EEA users can enroll for critical security patches without Microsoft Rewards, OneDrive backup, or a $30 fee, while users elsewhere still face those original conditions. In this guide, we explain what Windows 10 EOS means, why Europe gets free coverage, and how EU residents can enroll. We will also teach readers outside the EU several legitimate ways to secure free Windows 10 updates, so read on to learn more.
What is Windows 10 end of support (EOS)?
Windows 10 reaches end of support on October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft stops delivering new features, routine bug fixes, and free security patches through Windows Update. Your PC will continue to run, but it will become increasingly vulnerable unless you enroll in Extended Security Updates or upgrade to Windows 11. The final consumer release of Windows 10 is version 22H2.
Extended Security Updates, or ESU, is a separate program that provides critical and important security fixes only. It does not include new features or general support. For most consumers, ESU currently runs for one year after EOS, through October 13, 2026. Businesses can purchase up to three years of ESU coverage.
Outside Europe, Microsoft offers three enrollment paths for ESU. You can sync PC settings with the Windows Backup app, redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or pay a one-time $30 fee.
In the European Economic Area, Microsoft removed those conditions and made ESU free after complaints under the EU’s Digital Markets Act. Consumers in the EEA do not need OneDrive backup, Rewards points, or payment to enroll.
Why Europeans get it free and how to enroll if you live in the EU
Microsoft made Windows 10 Extended Security Updates free for consumers in the European Economic Area after complaints that tying security updates to OneDrive backup, Microsoft Rewards, or a $30 fee could violate the EU’s Digital Markets Act. The result is simple. If you live in the EEA, you can enroll at no cost and receive critical and important security fixes through October 13, 2026.
Who qualifies
- You are physically located in an EEA country and your device runs Windows 10 version 22H2.
- You use a Microsoft account on the device.
How to enroll
- Open Settings on your Windows 10 PC.
- Go to Update & Security and look for Extended Security Updates or follow the enrollment prompt in Windows Update.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account if you are not already signed in.
- Complete the on-screen steps to join ESU. There is no fee and no requirement to back up with Windows Backup or redeem Microsoft Rewards.
Keep your coverage active
- Use the device and sign in with your Microsoft account periodically. Microsoft may require you to sign in at least once every 60 days to remain eligible.
- Install updates when Windows Update offers them.
What you get
- Critical and important security updates only.
- No new features, quality updates, or standard support.
Tip. If you do not see the ESU option immediately, check Windows Update again later or ensure you are on version 22H2.
How to get free Windows 10 updates if you live outside the EU
You can still enroll in Extended Security Updates at no cost using Microsoft’s approved paths. First make sure your PC is on Windows 10 version 22H2 and that you are signed in with a Microsoft account on the device.
Option 1. Microsoft Rewards
- Join Microsoft Rewards with the same Microsoft account used on your Windows 10 PC.
- Earn 1,000 points using Bing searches, daily sets, and quizzes.
- On your PC, open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update and start Extended Security Updates enrollment.
- Choose the Rewards option and confirm redemption. The system will verify your points and activate ESU.
Option 2. Windows Backup to OneDrive
- Open the Windows Backup app and sign in to OneDrive with the same Microsoft account on your PC.
- Complete a lightweight backup of settings and essentials so it fits within the 5 GB free OneDrive tier. Exclude large folders you do not need.
- Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update, start Extended Security Updates, and select the Backup option to activate ESU.
If neither path works
You can pay the one-time $30 fee during ESU enrollment to receive one year of updates.
Should you still upgrade your computer?
Yes. ESU only delivers critical and important security fixes for a limited time and does not include new features or most quality updates. Upgrading to Windows 11 extends your support window and adds modern security protections.
Future-proof your setup with an Acer Copilot+ PC
Copilot+ PCs pair modern CPUs with an on-device NPU for AI features, strong battery life, and longer support horizons. If your current PC passes the Windows 11 checks, you can upgrade in place. If it does not, stepping up to an Acer Copilot+ PC gets you current security standards, fast NVMe storage, Wi-Fi 6/7 options, and hardware built for the latest Windows features.
For help picking the right model, see Acer’s official 2025 Copilot+ PC buyer’s guide.
Conclusion
The EU’s pressure changed Microsoft’s plan. If you live in the EEA, you can enroll in Windows 10 Extended Security Updates at no cost through October 13, 2026, with a simple sign-in to your Microsoft account. Outside Europe, you still have legitimate paths to get ESU for free using Microsoft Rewards or Windows Backup, or you can pay the $30 fee. We covered each path above and we also show several other ways to secure free updates if you are not in the EU.
ESU is a short bridge, not a destination. If your device can run Windows 11, upgrade for stronger security and a longer support runway. If it cannot, consider a new machine that is ready for current features and support. Before you move, review this checklist to see what your options are before Windows 10 support ends. For those with a valid student email, you can enjoy 15% off certain products from the Acer Store if you sign up with Student Beans using your .edu email.
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Patrick Yu is a Senior Project Manager at Level Interactive and has 8 years of experience writing business, legal, lifestyle, gaming, and technology articles. He is a significant contributor to Acer Corner and is currently based in Taipei, Taiwan.
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