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Microsoft will be offering free extended security updates for Windows 10 users in the European Economic Area (EEA), including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and all 27 European Union member states. This move comes after pressure from Euroconsumers, a large Luxembourg-based consumer protection organization that represents over 1.5 million households across Europe and Brazil. The decision marks an important step forward for Microsoft's commitment to supporting its customers and adapting to changing regulatory requirements and industry standards.
Microsoft will offer free extended security updates (ESU) for Windows 10 operating system in the European Economic Area (EEA), including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and all 27 European Union member states. The decision comes after pressure from Euroconsumers, a large Luxembourg-based consumer protection organization that represents over 1.5 million households across Europe and Brazil. Microsoft had previously advised users to upgrade to Windows 11 or migrate to Windows 11 in the cloud due to end-of-support date for Windows 10. The company's goal is to support customers and provide them with options as they transition to Windows 11 while maintaining uninterrupted access to critical security updates. The EEA includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and all 27 European Union member states, where this decision is expected to have a positive impact on consumer trust and confidence in Microsoft.
Microsoft has announced that it will be offering free extended security updates for its Windows 10 operating system to customers in the European Economic Area (EEA), including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and all 27 European Union member states. This move comes as a result of pressure from Euroconsumers, a large Luxembourg-based consumer protection organization that represents over 1.5 million households across Europe and Brazil.
In June, Microsoft had stated that customers would be able to enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program at no additional cost, using their Microsoft Rewards points or by enabling Windows Backup. However, this decision was made following a request from Euroconsumers that Microsoft postpone the Windows 10 end-of-support date beyond October 14, 2025.
Euroconsumers had expressed concern over the fact that linking access to essential security updates with engagement with Microsoft's own services could be seen as a compliance issue under Article 6(6) of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This provision requires companies to provide consumers with easy and transparent ways to access their personal data, including the option to opt-out of data collection.
In response to Euroconsumers' concerns, Microsoft has taken steps to ensure that its new ESU program meets local expectations and delivers a secure and streamlined experience for customers. The company claims that its goal is to support customers and provide them with options as they transition to Windows 11, while maintaining uninterrupted access to critical security updates.
The European Economic Area (EEA) includes the following countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and all 27 European Union member states. This decision by Microsoft to offer free ESU for Windows 10 users in this region is a significant development in the company's efforts to improve its customer-centric approach.
Microsoft had previously advised Windows 10 users to upgrade eligible systems to Windows 11 or migrate to Windows 11 in the cloud with Windows 365 if they wanted their devices to keep receiving bug fixes and security updates. Users who fail to comply will be left vulnerable to attacks and malware after the end-of-support date for Windows 10.
However, thanks to Microsoft's decision to offer free ESU for Windows 10 users in the EEA, customers in this region will not have to worry about their devices becoming outdated or compromised if they are unable to upgrade to a newer version of the operating system. This move is seen as a positive step by Euroconsumers and other consumer advocacy groups that had been advocating for Microsoft's commitment to supporting its Windows 10 users.
In addition, this decision highlights the ongoing efforts of Microsoft to adapt to changing regulatory requirements and industry standards. The company has been making significant strides in recent years to enhance its customer-centric approach and improve its support for customers around the world.
As a result of Microsoft's new ESU program, customers in the EEA will be able to receive critical security updates without having to pay any additional fees. This move is expected to have a positive impact on consumer trust and confidence in the company, as well as its ability to maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.
Furthermore, this decision demonstrates Microsoft's commitment to supporting its Windows 10 users and providing them with options as they transition to newer versions of the operating system. The company has been working tirelessly to improve its customer-centric approach and ensure that its customers receive the best possible support.
In conclusion, Microsoft's decision to offer free ESU for Windows 10 users in the EEA is a significant development that highlights the company's commitment to supporting its customers and adapting to changing regulatory requirements and industry standards. This move is expected to have a positive impact on consumer trust and confidence in the company, as well as its ability to maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Microsoft-Offers-Free-Windows-10-Security-Updates-in-Europe-Amidst-Pressure-from-Consumer-Advocacy-Group-ehn.shtml
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-will-offer-free-windows-10-security-updates-in-europe/
https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-10/major-backtrack-as-microsoft-makes-windows-10-extended-security-updates-free-for-an-extra-year-but-only-in-certain-markets
Published: Thu Sep 25 09:44:31 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
