Windows 10 reaches end of official support in three weeks, even though it still runs on nearly half of all Windows PCs. Some of those machines can be upgraded to Windows 11 for free, but many well-functioning systems do not meet the newer OS hardware requirements and cannot be upgraded.
Owners of those unsupported systems must decide how to proceed. European users, however, get extra time before making that choice.
Conditions for extra security patches outside Europe
After October 14, Windows 10 will be exposed without official protection. Microsoft is offering an additional year of security patches, but only under specific conditions: pay $30, spend 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or enable automatic system backups to OneDrive. Those requirements appear designed to push users toward creating Microsoft accounts and using additional Microsoft services.
Automatic extension for the European Economic Area
To avoid potential regulatory penalties, Microsoft decided to automatically extend Windows 10 support inside the European Economic Area. Users in that region will need to opt in to receive continued updates, likely via a single click in Windows Update, but they will not be required to use Microsoft Rewards or OneDrive.
The extended support will run through October 13, 2026. In theory, it could be extended again; businesses already have the option to pay for security patches covering the next three years. Consumer advocacy group Euroconsumers is lobbying Microsoft to make those updates available to regular consumers as well.
How Microsoft responds to that push may become clearer within a year. For now, Windows 10 users in Europe can relax: their computers will be protected at least until October 13, 2026.
