By John Q. Hosedrinker 
As Windows 10’s end-of-support date rapidly approaches, Microsoft is making significant changes to its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program in the European Economic Area (EEA). Due to pressure from the Euroconsumers group, Microsoft will offer ESU free of charge to EEA users without requiring Windows Backup. This removes the previous requirement for users to enable Windows Backup, which involved a Microsoft Account and OneDrive. However, users in the EEA will still need to sign into their Microsoft account at least once every 60 days to continue receiving ESU updates, while users outside of the EEA will still need to either enable Windows Backup or pay for the updates.
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Microsoft forced to make Windows 10 extended security updates truly free in Europe. Well, isn’t that something? It looks like Microsoft has had to make Windows 10 extended security updates truly free for users within the European Economic Area (EEA). It’s a pretty big deal, honestly. Makes you wonder why it wasn’t this way from the start.
It seems like there’s a genuine sense of excitement from users. Some are downright thrilled, saying things like “Yessssss” and expressing their support for the EU. Others seem a bit jealous, perhaps wishing their own countries would follow suit. The general sentiment is pretty positive, painting the EU as a protector of its citizens. It is great to know Windows 10 isn’t completely dead in the water.
The potential for users to bypass restrictions using things like VPNs is naturally a topic of conversation. Some people have suggested that even changing the language settings might work as a workaround, such as using “English (Ireland).” It’s clear that people are actively seeking ways to take advantage of this new offer, which, quite frankly, is to be expected.
The EU’s stance has certainly ruffled some feathers. It seems many aren’t happy with Windows 11 and its clunky feel, not to mention the forced Microsoft account sign-ins. Some are openly critical of Windows 11, with one user even saying it made them leave Windows permanently. The right-click context menus in Windows 11 have drawn some serious criticism. The general consensus is Windows 11 is a problem.
We’re talking about a significant geographical area here: the EU (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden), along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. If you’re in this region, you’re in luck.
The discussions also veer into technical territory. Some users are curious about how to get these updates, while others are discussing how to bring back old context menus within Windows 11. It’s clear that there’s a lot of interest in preserving the Windows 10 experience, especially given the lukewarm reception of Windows 11.
There are also some interesting cultural observations embedded in the comments. The contrast between the EU’s approach and the political climate in the US is mentioned, highlighting how policies can differ significantly across regions. The frustrations of the UK with Brexit are also clear.
There’s even a mention of how Windows 10 users may be able to get extended updates without needing to enable Windows Backup. It sounds like the process is quite straightforward, and it’s undoubtedly a welcome development for Windows 10 users in the EEA.
The discussions touch upon the wider implications of these changes. There is some concern about the broader trend of corporations exercising greater control over users. The potential for workarounds and the desire to maintain a familiar computing experience are top of mind for many people.
The discussions also reveal a sense of longing for the past, with users mentioning how long it’s been since certain versions of Windows have been released. There’s also a hint of concern about potential security risks and the importance of staying vigilant.
The final sentiment seems to be a combination of relief, curiosity, and a bit of a mischievous streak. People are clearly happy about the free updates and eager to explore all the possibilities. The article title may have been off the mark in one respect, but the overall concept is still true: Windows 10 users in the EEA are getting a much better deal.