Europe forces Microsoft into free extended support for Windows 10

Microsoft is extending free security updates for Windows 10 users in the European Economic Area (EEA) until October 14th, 2026, in response to concerns raised by the Euroconsumers group about the company's previous requirement for users to either turn on Windows Backup with a Microsoft account, spend Microsoft Rewards points, or pay a $30 fee to access these updates. The Digital Markets Act of 2022 in Europe forbids "gatekeeper" companies like Microsoft from limiting access to products or services based on conditions to other products from the same company. This law is the reason for Microsoft's change in policy for EEA residents. The rest of the world, however, will still need to meet Microsoft's requirements to receive the extended security updates for Windows 10. The company has backtracked on its October 2025 ultimatum for users to upgrade to Windows 11 multiple times, likely due to the large number of users still relying on Windows 10.