Microsoft just caved to European consumer pressure in a major policy reversal that exposes how differently the tech giant treats users across borders. With Windows 10's support ending October 14th, the company will now offer truly free security updates in the European Economic Area - no strings attached. Everywhere else still faces Microsoft's original scheme: enable Windows Backup, pay $30, or watch your device become a security risk.
Microsoft just executed one of its most telling policy reversals yet, and it reveals everything about how the company views different markets. Less than three weeks before Windows 10 goes end-of-life on October 14th, the tech giant has quietly backed down from its controversial extended security update scheme - but only for European users.
The original plan was classic Microsoft: offer "free" security updates that weren't actually free. Users worldwide would need to enable Windows Backup to access Extended Security Updates, a requirement that conveniently funneled people into Microsoft's OneDrive ecosystem. Once your documents and settings pushed you past the 5GB free storage limit, you'd face a monthly subscription fee. It was vendor lock-in disguised as user protection.
But the Euroconsumers advocacy group wasn't having it. The European consumer protection organization spent months pressuring Microsoft to drop what they correctly identified as a bait-and-switch tactic. "We are pleased to learn that Microsoft will provide a no-cost Extended Security Updates option for Windows 10 consumer users in the European Economic Area," the group stated in their victory letter this week.
The timing couldn't be more critical. Windows 10 still runs on hundreds of millions of devices globally, and many users simply can't or won't upgrade to Windows 11 due to Microsoft's strict hardware requirements. When support ends next month, these machines become sitting ducks for security vulnerabilities - unless users pay up or jump through Microsoft's hoops.
"We're making updates to the enrollment process to ensure it meets local expectations and delivers a secure, streamlined experience," an unnamed Microsoft spokesperson told Windows Central. The corporate speak translates to: European regulators and consumer groups have more teeth than we anticipated.
What's particularly revealing is how Microsoft's treating this as a regional accommodation rather than a global policy fix. Users outside the European Economic Area still face the original gauntlet: enable Windows Backup, pay $30 for the year, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points. It's a stark reminder that consumer protection laws and advocacy groups can force tech companies to behave differently.
