Yesterday, Microsoft made an important announcement regarding access to Windows 10’s Extended Support Updates (ESU) program. The tech giant confirmed that users in the European Economic Area (EEA) will now have free access to these essential updates. This significant change eliminates the previous requirement that mandated users to sync their PC settings to the cloud through a Microsoft account in order to receive crucial security updates.
While the removal of the cloud syncing requirement is a welcome change, Microsoft has introduced new expectations for users wishing to benefit from the free ESU program. Users will now need to authenticate their Microsoft account at least once every 60 days. Failure to do so may result in the revocation of access to extended security updates on their PC. According to the Windows 10 ESU FAQ website, “If your Microsoft Account is not used to sign in for a period of up to 60 days, ESU updates will be discontinued, and you’ll need to re-enroll by signing in using the same MSA.”
This means that although the ESU program is now entirely free, users must still sign in with a Microsoft account to enroll their PCs in the extended updates. Microsoft will monitor the time elapsed since your last sign-in, and if it exceeds 60 days, your PC will be removed from the ESU program. You will then need to re-enroll by verifying your account once again.
It’s evident that Microsoft has structured access to the free ESU program in a manner that primarily benefits users who opt to switch from a local account to a Microsoft account. If you already use a Microsoft account to sign in on Windows 10, you won’t face any issues regarding your continued participation in the ESU program. However, for those utilizing a local account, this change could be somewhat inconvenient.
The good news is that there won’t be any penalties if your PC is removed from the ESU program due to inactivity. You can easily re-enroll your PC using a Microsoft account, without facing any complications. After re-enrollment, you should be able to unlink your local account for another 60 days of free security updates.
While this free ESU program is beneficial, it seems that Microsoft would prefer users to upgrade to Windows 11. However, millions of Windows 10 PCs are ineligible for this upgrade, leaving many users with no choice but to continue using Windows 10 for the foreseeable future.
It’s important to note that the consumer ESU program for Windows 10 will only be available for one year following the end of support, which is set for October 14, 2025. After this date, users will be left without critical security updates come October 2026.
For users outside of the EEA, the ESU program remains unchanged. Access continues to be free if you sign in and sync your PC settings to the cloud, or alternatively, users can opt to pay $30 or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points for access.
In summary, the latest changes to the Windows 10 ESU program provide free access for EEA users, albeit with new requirements. As users navigate these adjustments, it’s crucial to stay informed about the implications for security updates and the future of Windows 10.
