Security support for the world’s most used operating system,Windows 10,was originally planned to end on October 14,2025. Microsoft’s decision, consistent with past Windows lifecycle management, will impact hundreds of millions of users globally. However, users in Europe may have a reprieve of one year.

Following pressure from Euroconsumers, Microsoft has decided to extend Windows 10 support until October 2026. This extended period applies throughout the European Economic Area (EEA), including the EU, norway, Ireland, and Liechtenstein – and, of course, the Czech Republic.

This extension provides security updates through the ESU (extended Security Update) program,and will be available to users free of charge. Typically, Microsoft requires conditions for access to the ESU program, such as backing up files to OneDrive, earning 1000 Microsoft Rewards points, or using Microsoft Backup.

These features often tie into or are closely linked to a Microsoft 365 subscription, which includes services like Office and expanded OneDrive cloud storage (with only 5 GB available for free). This appears to be an effort to attract more users to a subscription model, even if they only need to extend the life of their existing PC.

“We are glad that Microsoft provides a free ESU option for Windows 10 consumers in the European Economic space. We also welcome that neither backup nor use of Microsoft Rewards is required,” commented the EUROCONSUMERS Consumer Institution on Microsoft’s decision.

For now, this extension does not apply to users outside of the EEA.Microsoft has not yet announced any plans to extend support for Windows 10 in other regions.