Microsoft Extends Windows 10 Security Updates for EEA Customers

We may earn from vendors via affiliate links or sponsorships. This might affect product placement on our site, but not the content of our reviews. See our Terms of Use for details.

Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 10 on Oct. 14, 2025. Most users worldwide must enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to continue receiving patches; however, customers in the European Economic Area (EEA) will receive an extra year of free security updates following regulatory pressure.

Why Microsoft made an exception in the EEA

According to Microsoft’s original announcement, support for Windows 10 was scheduled to end in October for users across all regions, so why the sudden change?

Consumer advocacy group Euroconsumers argued that Microsoft’s original plan to charge for extended updates conflicted with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). In response, Microsoft adjusted its approach in the EEA, saying it wanted to “meet ...