Windows 10 ESU free in Europe – requirements & Microsoft account

Microsoft has announced that the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 will be available free of charge to users in the European Economic Area. However, there are clear conditions to remain eligible and receive security updates.

What is Windows 10 Free ESU?

ESU provides security updates after official support for Windows 10 ends on October 14, 2025.

• Free for EEA users.
• Requires periodic authentication with a Microsoft account.
• Valid until October 2026.

✔ Altanet IT & security services

Why free Windows 10 ESU matters in Europe

For users in Europe, access to Windows 10 ESU for free Europe is a cybersecurity solution. Unlike other regions where access to updates requires additional costs, in the EEA they are completely free. This advantage helps small businesses and home users protect their computers without additional investment.

Requirements for users in Europe

Login within 60 days

You must sign in with your Microsoft account at least once every 60 days; otherwise, the system is automatically removed from ESU.

Quick re-registration

If your PC is removed from the program, you can simply re-enroll it by logging in with the same Microsoft account.

✔ Server administration & Altanet infrastructure

The risks if you do not comply with the requirements

If you do not log in with a Microsoft account in time, your system will be removed from the ESU program and you will be left without critical updates. This situation increases the risk of cyberattacks, malware, and data loss. Therefore, it is recommended that users create a simple plan for regular authentication and, if necessary, call on specialized IT support such as Altanet Craiova.

What you need to know if you use a local account

• To activate ESU, users with local accounts must initially sign in with a Microsoft account.
• Afterwards, they can switch back to a local account and still benefit from 60 days of free updates.

✔ IT, web and security services

What's next after 2026?

The ESU program for consumers ends in October 2026. After this date, the options remain to upgrade to Windows 11 or alternative solutions.

✔ Altanet Security & CCTV Systems

Article source

The information is processed based on the article published on Windows Central.