EU Makes Windows 10 Extended Security Updates Free: Reaction and Workarounds
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.
John Q. Hosedrinker