Microsoft has announced new measures for users in the US and Europe to extend the life of Windows 10, just days before official support for the operating system is set to end. The move comes as consumer advocacy groups and users voice concerns over costs and potential security risks.
Support for Windows 10 will officially end on October 14, raising fears among millions of users who worry they may be forced to buy new devices to remain protected against cyber threats. Without updates, systems become more vulnerable to attacks, leaving both personal and business users at risk.
To address the backlash, Microsoft revealed that European customers will receive an additional year of free security updates, provided they log in with a Microsoft account. This concession was made after strong pressure from advocacy groups demanding fair treatment for users who cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations.
In the US, the company introduced a similar program. Users can extend updates for one year at no cost by uploading their Windows 10 profiles to Microsoft’s backup service. Alternatively, users can purchase the extension for $30 or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, offering flexibility for those who prefer different options.
Consumer groups in Europe had been particularly vocal. French watchdog Halte à l’Obsolescence Programmée (HOP) petitioned for free updates until 2030, arguing that Microsoft’s initial decision fueled unnecessary electronic waste. Germany’s Verbraucherzentrale also warned that ending support limited consumer choice and undermined fair competition.
According to Consumer Reports, around 650 million people worldwide were still using Windows 10 as of August, underlining the scale of the challenge. The operating system, released in 2015, remains popular among individuals and organizations alike, despite Windows 11 being available since 2021.
Microsoft’s new concessions aim to strike a balance between pushing adoption of its latest software and addressing widespread concerns about affordability and sustainability. For users, the free one-year extension provides valuable time to plan their next steps without facing immediate cybersecurity risks.
