Microsoft eases Windows 10 extended security update conditions in Europe
Support for Windows 10 will end on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. Microsoft has promised to provide 'Extended Security Updates' even after support ends, but to use them for free, users must set up 'Windows Backup.' It has now been revealed that Microsoft has announced a new policy that will eliminate the need for Windows Backup for users in the European Economic Area (EEA).
Euroconsumers_vs_Microsoft_092025.pdf
(PDF file)
Microsoft will offer free Windows 10 extended security updates in Europe
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-will-offer-free-windows-10-security-updates-in-europe/
For individual users, Extended Security Updates can be accessed by paying $30 (approximately 4,500 yen) or by purchasing 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. It is also possible to get it for free by enabling Windows Backup.
Microsoft announces free registration option for program offering one year of extended security updates for Windows 10 - GIGAZINE
The European consumer protection organization Euroconsumers has raised concerns about this 'unavailable for free unless Windows Backup is enabled' point, arguing that 'linking access to critical security updates to Microsoft's own service (Windows Backup) raises doubts about compliance with its obligations under Article 6(6) of the Digital Markets Act .'
The Digital Markets Act designates large-scale platforms operating in Europe as 'gatekeepers' and imposes various restrictions on them to promote the liberalization of competition. Article 6, paragraph 6 of the Digital Markets Act stipulates that 'gatekeepers must not restrict users from switching services, etc.'
Thanks to the efforts of Euroconsumers, Windows Backup is no longer required for users in the EEA, but users in other regions will still need to sign in with their Windows account. If users do not sign in for up to 60 days, updates will be stopped and they will need to sign in again.
'We're very pleased to hear that free extended security updates will be available for users in the EEA. We're also pleased that users won't need to back up their settings or credentials or use Microsoft Rewards,' Euroconsumers said.
However, he added, 'As we have pointed out from the beginning, other concerns remain unresolved, such as the fact that the extended update period is too short and that the period between the release of Windows 11 and the end of support for Windows 10 is shorter than that of previous versions,' and called for a continued review of the OS support system.
According to traffic analysis service
Related Posts:
in Software, Posted by log1p_kr