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In a surprise move, Microsoft has agreed to extend security updates for its upcoming end-of-life operating system, but with conditions that have left some critics unsatisfied. The decision comes amid pressure from consumer rights groups in the European Economic Area, who argue that the initial offer of support was insufficient and did not meet EU requirements. Windows 10 users in several countries will benefit from this extended support, but concerns remain about the adequacy of the solution proposed by Microsoft.
Microsoft will provide extended security updates (ESU) for Windows 10 in the European Economic Area until October 14, 2025. The initial offer of one-year free ESU was deemed inadequate by consumer rights groups and Euroconsumers. Microsoft agreed to a no-cost ESU option with a Microsoft account requirement, but concerns remain about the one-year period being shorter than EU sustainability goals. Windows 10 consumers in countries within the European Economic Area will benefit from extended support.
Microsoft has agreed to provide extended security updates (ESU) for its Windows 10 operating system, albeit with certain conditions, as a result of pressure from consumer rights groups in the European Economic Area. The company's decision comes amid concerns that the upcoming end-of-life (EOL) for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, would leave many consumers vulnerable to security risks.
In June this year, Microsoft initially offered a "free" option for extended support, requiring users to either use Microsoft Reward Points or sync their settings to the cloud using Windows Backup. However, Luxembourg and Brussels-based consumer rights group Euroconsumers deemed this inadequate, arguing that it did not meet the EU's Digital Markets Act and Digital Content Directive requirements.
Euroconsumers wrote to Microsoft in July, expressing their concerns and requesting a more comprehensive solution. The group argued that the initial one-year extended support period was insufficient, particularly given the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) requirement for Windows 11, which would necessitate hardware upgrades for many users.
Microsoft has since responded by agreeing to provide a no-cost ESU option for Windows 10 consumers in the European Economic Area. This move is seen as a compromise between Microsoft's business interests and consumer advocacy groups.
Under this new arrangement, customers will still require a Microsoft account to secure extended support, but Euroconsumers believes that this does not violate the Digital Markets Act. However, the group notes that the one-year period remains shorter than the EU's sustainability goals for operating system updates.
The European Economic Area encompasses several countries, including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Windows 10 consumers in these regions will benefit from Microsoft's extended support.
Critics have expressed concerns that this reprieve for European Windows 10 users does not fully address Euroconsumers' initial objections. The group has vowed to continue engaging with Microsoft on this matter, aiming to extend device protection beyond the one-year period.
As of September 26, 2025, Microsoft officials remain tight-lipped about their stance on this issue, despite earlier statements from representatives who indicated that a statement had been sent. Nevertheless, the company's decision to provide extended support for Windows 10 consumers in the European Economic Area is seen as a step towards addressing consumer concerns and meeting regulatory requirements.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Microsoft-Extends-Windows-10-Security-Updates-for-European-Consumers-Amid-EU-Pressure-ehn.shtml
https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2025/09/26/not_in_eu_and_want/
Published: Fri Sep 26 07:05:44 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
