Microsoft has changed its mind about Windows 10. Instead of charging everyone for security updates, the company is now giving people an extra year of free updates. But here’s the catch — it’s only for certain regions, mainly in Europe (EEA countries).
What’s New?
- Free security updates until October 14, 2026.
- Only available in the European Economic Area (EEA).
- No need to sync your settings to Microsoft’s cloud to get the updates.
- You still have to log in with a Microsoft account at least once every 60 days.
- Outside Europe, most people will still have to pay or meet Microsoft’s rules.
Why Did Microsoft Do This?
Microsoft faced pushback from consumer groups and regulators in Europe. People complained that forcing users to pay and link their PCs to the cloud was unfair.
To avoid trouble with EU laws, Microsoft decided to give users in Europe one more year of free security updates and remove some of the stricter rules.
What It Means for You
If You’re in the EEA (Europe):
- You’ll keep getting free updates for another year.
- You don’t have to connect your PC settings to the cloud.
- Just make sure you log into your Microsoft account every couple of months.
If You’re Outside the EEA:
- The rules haven’t really changed.
- You may still need to pay for updates (in the US, around $30).
- Or, you’ll need to upgrade to Windows 11 sooner.
What to Do Next
- Check your region – if you’re in the EEA, you’re covered until 2026.
- Log in regularly – sign in with your Microsoft account every 60 days.
- Start planning – think about upgrading to Windows 11 or another system before support fully ends.
The Bottom Line
This move shows Microsoft is willing to backtrack when pressured by regulators. For users in Europe, it’s good news: more time and less hassle. For everyone else, the push to move away from Windows 10 continues.
