Will Microsoft’s free ESU program for Windows 10 in Europe create a global precedent?

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In a week, Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10, and many people are expected to replace their computers as a result. If you want to continue receiving security updates after October 14, 2025, you can pay for Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates program, which will provide updates for another year.

You can join the program by connecting your PC settings to the cloud with a Microsoft account, or by paying a $30 fee or using 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. However, Microsoft has changed its plans for users in the European Economic Area, and they can now access the program for free without needing to meet those requirements.

The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) continues to urge Microsoft to reconsider ending support for Windows 10, filing multiple petitions to that effect. According to PIRG’s Lucas Rockett Gutterman, Microsoft’s proposed solutions aren’t enough and won’t address the issue of the potentially 400 million Windows 10 computers that aren’t compatible with Windows 11.

Earlier this month, a coalition of businesses, government officials, and advocacy groups urged Microsoft to continue supporting Windows 10. The group—representing over 590 businesses, 83 elected officials, 382 repair shops and nonprofits, 19 schools and libraries, and 49 environmental and consumer organizations—wants Microsoft to keep supporting the widely-used operating system instead of ending support.

Many people are still using Windows 10, likely because Microsoft requires fairly powerful hardware to upgrade to Windows 11, or simply because they prefer the familiar look and feel of Windows 10 over some of the design choices in Windows 11.

Stopping software support for so many computers at once creates significant problems for individuals, the environment, and overall public safety. This is unprecedented – more computers than ever before are being left without updates and security fixes simultaneously.

Nathan Proctor, senior director of U.S. PIRG’s Right to Repair campaigns

People in the European Economic Area will be able to continue receiving security updates for Windows 10 thanks to local laws. However, those in the US and other parts of the world aren’t so fortunate. Cristina Ganapini from Repair.eu believes Microsoft’s decision is a positive development, demonstrating that it *is* possible to provide support for Windows 10 even after its official end-of-life date.

This update is a positive sign for some Windows 10 users in Europe, showing Microsoft has the ability to address these issues for all customers. However, it’s only a temporary fix – a one-year pause – and not everyone will automatically receive the necessary updates. Ultimately, we want computers to remain functional and not become obsolete due to Microsoft’s policies.

The Restart Project, a group that helped create resources for Windows 10 users after Microsoft stops supporting the operating system, agrees with OIRG’s view. They describe Microsoft’s Extended Security Update (ESU) program as a temporary fix that doesn’t address the underlying problems.

Microsoft is facing criticism for ending support for Windows 10, with some arguing this will unnecessarily force millions of functional computers to be replaced.

It’s very unlikely Microsoft will continue supporting Windows 10 after its official end-of-life and the Extended Security Update program. Time’s running out!

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2025-10-07 18:41