Microsoft Makes Last-Minute U-Turn For Windows 10 Extended Support Policy In Europe

Microsoft will be ending official support for Windows 10 in just a few weeks, and it's something many users have been dreading, either because their aging hardware isn't eligible to run the company's latest operating system, or because they just flat out don't want to move to Windows 11.

These users have been thrown a lifeline with an extra year of "Extended Security Updates" (ESU) support, but with strings attached. Microsoft is providing three options for those seeking extended support, by signing into a Microsoft account and either enabling Windows Backup through OneDrive, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Reward points, or simply coughing up $30. The former option involves giving up your data to the all-consuming Cloud, while the latter two options probably or definitely involve opening up your wallet.

It turns out that users in Europe will be able to get this extended support without having ...