Microsoft Forced To Freely Extend Windows 10 Support, Especially In Europe
JAKARTA Microsoft should end Windows 10 support on October 14 in all countries, but Europe will be excluded. This happened because of pressure from consumer groups.
In fact, Microsoft still provides an extension of support for Windows 10 after the termination on October 14, but on condition. Users must enable Windows Backup and register for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.
However, this obligation will be abolished from the European Economic Territory (EEA) due to intervention from the consumer advocacy group Euroconsumers. The group urged Microsoft to provide longer protection to users.
Euroconsumers also managed to convince Microsoft to extend the duration of Windows 10 support. Therefore, users in Europe will get further security updates unconditionally, of course for free.
"We are pleased to know that Microsoft will provide free Advanced Security Update (ESU) options for Windows 10 users in the European Economic Zone (EEA)," Euroconsumers said, quoted from The Verge on Friday, September 26.
The group also added that this support will not require users to back up data or use Microsoft Rewards. The loss of this requirement makes additional support for Windows 10 free.
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This policy change has been confirmed by a Microsoft spokesperson. He stated that Microsoft 'is updating the registration process to ensure (Windows 10) meets local expectations and provides a safe and efficient experience'.
In other areas, Windows 10 users still have to activate Windows Backup. They also have to pay 30 US dollars (IDR 502 thousand) per year or exchange 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points to get an ESU.
Euroconsumers are trying to convince Microsoft to extend the duration of security updates for consumers by more than a year. However, Microsoft will only extend this additional security update until October 13, 2026.