Microsoft Windows 10 support to end very soon: Private users in certain regions can secure one year of free ESU security updates

Direct confirmation: Official ESU rules for Europe

Following pressure from consumer rights groups such as Euroconsumers and tech media such as Windows Central in regard to the original ESU requirements (cloud backup, rewards points), Microsoft promptly simplified the rules for the European Economic Area (EEA). The final, official options for private users in the EEA were confirmed to us by Microsoft Germany.

EEA users have two options for receiving ESU updates until October 13, 2026:

1. Free option (via Microsoft account)

• Requirement: Users sign in to their PC with their Microsoft account (MSA) and remain signed in.
• Details: Those who sign in with their MSA and remain signed in will receive security updates at no additional cost for one year (until October 13, 2026).
• Important: If the Microsoft account is not used to sign in for a period of up to 60 days, ESU updates will be discontinued. In this case, users must sign in again with the same Microsoft account to reactivate the program.
• The obligation to use the Windows Backup app (Cloud Sync) or to redeem Microsoft Rewards points has been waived in the EEA.

2. One-time payment

• Requirement: Here, too, you must first sign in with a Microsoft account.
• Cost: Users can register for the ESU program for a one-time fee of $30 (or the equivalent in local currency) plus taxes.
• Advantage: Following registration, permanent registration with the MSA is no longer mandatory.

Original rules (outside the EEA)

Microsoft is sticking to the original, conditional ESU options outside the European Economic Area. Here, private users must choose from one of the following options in order to continue receiving updates:

• Free via Windows Backup: Those who synchronize their PC settings with their Microsoft Account (MSA) will receive ESU updates free for one year.
• Free via Microsoft Rewards: Alternatively, one-year ESU coverage can be secured by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
• One-time payment: Register for a one-time payment of $30 (for up to 10 personal devices).

Different terms and conditions apply for business customers

The ESU program for business customers is available for $61 per device per year. Renewals are possible for a maximum of three years.

Those running Windows 10 on virtual machines (e.g., Windows 365) will receive ESU free of charge. No registration or other steps are required.

Important limitations of the ESU program

The ESU program will continue to deliver critical and important security updates from October 15, 2025, to October 13, 2026, but is only a temporary solution:

• Only critical and important security vulnerabilities will be addressed.
• The program will not provide new features, design changes or non-security updates.

Outlook: Upgrade and Microsoft 365

Microsoft continues to recommend upgrading to Windows 11. For anyone using Microsoft 365, the associated Office applications will continue to receive security updates on Windows 10 devices until October 10, 2028.

Microsoft