Microsoft lets Windows 10 users get one more year of updates without Microsoft Account

In a rather unexpected move, Microsoft dropped the Microsoft Account requirement for the Extended Security Updates program for Windows 10, but there is one "but."

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Just a couple of weeks ahead of the end of Windows 10 support, Microsoft made a rather unexpected move and dropped all the requirements for enrolling devices in the Extended Security Updates program, which allows getting one more year of security updates. However, the change only applies to users in the European Economic Area.

Microsoft's original plan was to give those who wanted to stay with Windows 10 twelve more months of updates for $30, 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or a simple settings backup with a Microsoft Account. This essentially made extended updates free for all—all you had to do was share some data with Microsoft. Now, things are changing for Windows 10 users in Europe.

A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed that customers in the EEA do not need to pay or share any data with Microsoft to get additional security updates:

"In the European Economic Area, we’re making updates to the enrollment process to ensure it meets local expectations and delivers a secure, streamlined experience. Our goal is to support customers and provide them with options as they transition to Windows 11, with uninterrupted access to critical security updates."

A letter from the Euroconsumers group also confirmed that Microsoft does not require anything in return from users in the EEA:

"We are pleased to learn that Microsoft will provide a no-cost Extended Security Updates (ESU) option for Windows 10 consumer users in the European Economic Area (EEA). We are also glad this option will not require users to back up settings, apps, or credentials, or use Microsoft Rewards. This was our main Digital Markets Act (DMA) related concern, as linking access to essential security updates to engagement with Microsoft's own services raised reasonable doubt of compliance with obligations under Article 6(6) of the DMA."

It is worth noting that the program's period remains unchanged. Despite demands from various consumer groups, Microsoft is not willing to budge on its 12-month timeframe. That means that home PCs will stop receiving security updates once the Extended Security Updates program ends on October 13, 2026. However, commercial users can extend Windows 10's lifecycle all the way up to three years by paying Microsoft a fee for each enrolled device.

If you want to know how to enroll your Windows 10 PC in the Extended Security Update program, check out our dedicated guide.

Source: Windows Central