Microsoft Extends Free Windows 10 Security Updates in Europe Until 2026

Microsoft confirmed that Windows 10 security updates will remain free for private users in Europe until October 14, 2026. This exception, granted only within the European Economic Area, follows sustained legal and political pressure from the consumer rights group Euroconsumers. In the United States, by contrast, Microsoft continues to charge about $30 annually for the same protection. The development, as reported by G.Business., highlights how European regulation shapes the global technology market.

Microsoft confirmed that Windows 10 security updates will remain free for private users in Europe until October 14, 2026. This exception, granted only within the European Economic Area, follows sustained legal and political pressure from the consumer rights group Euroconsumers. In the United States, by contrast, Microsoft continues to charge about $30 annually for the same protection. The development, as reported by Renewz.de, highlights how European regulation shapes the global technology market.

Why Europe is different

Euroconsumers, a coalition of consumer organizations representing millions of citizens across Belgium, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, argued that Microsoft’s earlier plan violated EU law. Specifically, tying critical security updates to extra payments or bundled services contradicted the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Directive on Digital Content and Services. Under these frameworks, companies must ensure fair and non-discriminatory access to digital products.

Els Bruggemann, head of policy at Euroconsumers, emphasized: “Security cannot be a privilege. European consumers have the right to receive essential updates without hidden costs.”

Conditions: Microsoft account required

The free updates, however, are not unconditional. Private users must log in with a Microsoft account to qualify. This measure enables Microsoft to maintain control over the distribution of ESU (Extended Security Updates) and to verify eligibility. Critics argue that the requirement still limits user freedom and could encourage further data collection.

Nevertheless, the compromise represents a significant win for European consumers, especially compared to regions where Microsoft insists on extra payments.

Businesses face costs

For companies and professional users, nothing changes: the ESU program remains fee-based. Microsoft justifies this by pointing to higher support costs and the complexity of corporate IT systems. According to Euroconsumers, this setup is legally compliant, as linking updates to a Microsoft account does not constitute an unlawful “gatekeeper practice” under the DMA.

Industry observers expect debates over transatlantic fairness. While European customers save money, American users face annual charges. Some legal scholars suggest this could fuel discussions about antitrust enforcement outside Europe.

BSI calls it a “grace period”

Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) described the measure as a “grace period” for millions of households. “Users gain valuable time to plan migration to a secure operating system,” a spokesperson said. The BSI recommends upgrading to Windows 11 or considering alternatives before October 2026, stressing that delayed action may expose computers to cyberattacks once support ends.

Why it matters

• Scale of impact: Windows 10 still runs on nearly half of all PCs in Germany and over 200 million devices across Europe.
• Cost savings: Households in Europe avoid a yearly $30 fee per device, which in larger families or schools translates into substantial financial relief.
• Regulatory signal: The EU demonstrates how consumer protection rules directly influence global tech giants.
• Security relevance: With ransomware and phishing attacks at record highs in 2025, timely security patches remain crucial for private users.

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