Windows 10 ESU free option still requires a Microsoft account in Europe

Windows 10’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is also free and doesn’t require users to share data with Microsoft in the European Economic Area (EEA), but it still requires a Microsoft account.
Outside the EEA, users must sync their data to the cloud or spend rewards points while using a Microsoft account to access the program for free.

Microsoft is now making changes to the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for users in the European Economic Area, which includes allowing them to sign up without having to sync their settings or files to the cloud or redeem rewards points. However, the program still requires a Microsoft account to enroll.

On October 14, 2025, support for Windows 10 will come to an end. For those who are not ready to upgrade to Windows 11 or switch to new hardware, the company has made the Extended Security Updates program available to extend support for another year.

The only caveat is that this is a paid service. However, the company also offers other ways to sign up for free, provided you use a Microsoft account or redeem points from the Microsoft Rewards program.

The issue here is that this forces you to share some data (such as your settings and files) with the company when using the OneDrive cloud storage service. However, things are taking a significant turn in Europe.

A spokesperson from Microsoft has confirmed (via Windows Central) that the program is now completely free in the European Economic Area.

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.

The shift in decision comes after organizations criticized the company for putting a condition on the program that directly benefits the software giant under the Digital Markets Act. According to an email from the Euroconsumers group, the change in the enrollment process was also confirmed.

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.

Windows 10 ESU requirements for EEA users

Although users in Europe are no longer required to upload settings or files to the Microsoft cloud (via Microsoft support), they must still use a Microsoft account to sign in to the program and authenticate at least once every 60 days.

If the user doesn’t authenticate in 60 days, the computer will lose the enrollment. However, the user can authenticate at any time to resume updates through the program.

If the user doesn’t want to provide a Microsoft account, they can still use a local account. However, this will require a one-time purchase of $30 USD or equivalent. Since this doesn’t require an online account, the user doesn’t have to authenticate every 60 days.

Also, it’s important to note that the overall program remains unchanged. The end user still has to enroll, and updates will only be available until October 13, 2026.

In the other markets, the Extended Security Updates program is also free with a Microsoft account, but it requires users to sync their files and settings to the Microsoft cloud or redeem 1000 points from the Microsoft Rewards program. Users can also opt to pay $30 to keep accessing security updates.

Update September 25, 2025: This article has been updated to clarify that the program is free everywhere, unless users choose the one-time purchase option. Additionally, the content has been corrected to state that the program requires a Microsoft account to sign up, regardless of location.