If you're relying on Windows 10 in the UK, you'll need to cough up £24.99 for vital security updates to safeguard your PC from malware and cybercriminals next month, but your European neighbours won't face the same bill.
It's true, Microsoft has backed down from plans to charge for its Extended Security Update (ESU) in the European Economic Area. For those who missed the memo, Microsoft will bring an end to a decade of vital security updates for its immensely popular Windows 10 operating system on October 14, 2025.
Despite still being used on millions of laptops and desktop PCs worldwide, the decision to cull support means, from that point onwards, Microsoft will no longer issue new security patches, bug fixes, or new features for its operating systems. Should cyber criminals discover a flaw in the software that allows them to steal personal data, install malware, or other nefarious activities — Microsoft isn't coming to the rescue with a fix.
In the UK, Microsoft offers a few different ways to pay for its one-year Extended Security Updates (ESU) subscription, including choosing to backup your PC data via OneDrive
| MICROSOFT PRESS OFFICEMicrosoft has warned that, without its crucial monthly security patches, anyone who continues to use Windows 10 will be left "at greater risk for viruses and malware". Once a flaw in the operating system has been uncovered, hackers can continue to exploit the vulnerability in millions of devices.
There are several options available to those still dependent on Windows 10, including the ability to subscribe to ESU and continue to receive security patches from Microsoft.
While those in the UK will need to fork out £24.99 or jump through a series of hoops to keep your PC protected at no extra cost beyond 14 October, Windows 10 users in mainland Europe will enjoy security patches completely free until October 2026.
@gbnews An important change is coming for Microsoft Windows users. Here's how to protect your security. #technology #microsoft #gbnews
Microsoft confirmed that it's "making updates to the enrollment process to ensure it meets local expectations" – but only in Europe. It's a victory for consumer advocacy group Euroconsumers, which successfully argued Microsoft was unfairly tying essential security updates to its own services.
The change means that if you're in the European Economic Area, you'll get a full year of security updates without any catches. None. That means no requirement to sign up for a Microsoft account, no requirement to back up your files and settings via OneDrive, and no payment method required.
But if you're living in the UK, you're looking at different rules entirely. You'll still need to choose between three options when Windows 10 support ends on 14 October: pay £24.99 upfront, redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points if you've got them lying around, or enable Windows Backup.
That last option might sound free, but it's got a catch – Windows Backup uses OneDrive, and you only get 5GB of free storage. Once you go over that limit, you're looking at expensive monthly subscription fees.
The pressure from Euroconsumers came after the group argued Microsoft was engaging in "planned obsolescence" by limiting security updates. They pointed out that linking access to essential security patches to Microsoft's own services raised serious questions about compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act.
The advocacy group had challenged Microsoft back in June, saying the company was steering you towards two choices: "Buy a new device before you're ready or stick with your current one and face increased security risks."
They noted that 22% PC owners living in the European Union still run Windows devices from 2017 or earlier – machines that often can't upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft's original plan would have pushed you to use OneDrive for backups, potentially leading to paid storage subscriptions once you exceeded the free 5GB limit.
The shake-up applies to those living in all 27 European Union member states, plus Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, who will enjoy vital security updates with no strings attached.
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