Windows 10 Support Extension | (ESU) EU & Worldwide

The Windows 10 Support Extended (ESU) for the EU and worldwide. What you need to know, whether you’re a private or business customer.

The support for Windows 10 officially ends on October 14, 2025. After that, Microsoft offers the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, extending support by one year until October 13, 2026. It includes only critical and important security updates (no new features, bug fixes, or technical support except for license activation). The program is available worldwide, with regional differences, particularly in the EU (European Economic Area, EEA: EU + Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland). Due to pressure from consumer advocates (e.g., Euroconsumers), ESU is free for private users in the EU without additional conditions like cloud backup.

Availability: Worldwide vs. EU

Aspect	Worldwide (outside EU)	EU (EEA)
Availability	For private users (Consumer) and businesses; phased rollout since August 2025.	Same, but free for private users; rollout since September 2025.
Duration	1 year (until 13.10.2026); businesses can extend up to 3 years (not for consumers).	Same; no purchase required for consumers.
Cost for Consumers	30 USD (approx. 28 €) or 1,000 Microsoft Rewards Points; alternatively free with Windows Backup activation (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Backup).	Free – only registration with Microsoft account required; no backup or points needed.
Cost for Businesses	61 USD (Year 1), 122 USD (Year 2), 244 USD (Year 3) per device via Volume Licensing.	Same prices; often free in Azure environments.

Requirements

To use ESU, your device must meet the following criteria (same worldwide and in EU):

• Windows Version: Windows 10 Version 22H2 (Home, Pro, Pro Education, or Workstation Edition).
• Updates: All current Windows updates installed (check under Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update).
• Microsoft Account: You must sign in with an Administrator Microsoft account (mandatory for registration, including in the EU). Local accounts are not supported – sign in once to register, then switch back if needed (license remains linked).
• Device: Not managed via MDM (Mobile Device Management); no existing ESU access; for consumers: personal use (not company-managed).
• Additional: Device must be Microsoft Entra (formerly Azure AD) joined or hybrid joined (for Windows 365 users); in the EU: no additional conditions like cloud sync.

If your device is not compatible, the assistant will indicate this. Up to 10 devices per Microsoft account are supported (worldwide); in the EU, up to 5 for certain cloud integrations.

Registration

Registration is rolled out gradually (until mid-October 2025). Here’s how to proceed:

1. Check: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Look for the link “Register for Extended Security Updates” or a notification. If not visible, wait 1–2 weeks or restart your PC.
2. Start Assistant: Click the link – the ESU assistant will open.
3. Sign In: Sign in with your Microsoft account (if not already done).
4. Choose Option:
   • Worldwide (outside EU): Select “Pay 30 USD” (via Microsoft Store), “Redeem 1,000 Rewards Points,” or “Activate Windows Backup” (for free access).
   • EU: Select “Register for free” – no payment or points required.
5. Confirm: The license will be linked to your account. You’ll see a confirmation in Windows Update (“PC registered for ESU”).
6. Common Issues: If the link is missing, clear the update cache (via Command Prompt: net stop wuauserv, then delete the cache folder in C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution) or use tools like “Flyoobe” (third-party, not officially recommended). In the EU: Automatically free after signing in.

Important in the EU

You must sign in with the Microsoft account at least every 60 days to maintain access (updates pause otherwise; resume automatically after signing in).

Receiving Updates

• How?: After registration, ESU updates appear automatically in Windows Update (like regular patches). Install them monthly (Patch Tuesday).
• What?: Only security fixes (critical/important per MSRC definition); approx. 2–3 per month expected.
• Duration: Until October 13, 2026; no further consumer support afterward (businesses: up to 3 years).
• Special Cases: In Azure or Windows 365 environments, often free and without extra configuration. For virtual machines: automatic.

Recommendations

• Check Upgrade: If possible, upgrade to Windows 11 (free if hardware is compatible).
• Alternatives: Third-party options like 0-Patch (updates until 2030 for approx. 25 €/year) or Linux distributions.
• More Info: Official pages: Microsoft ESU for Consumers or Enable ESU.

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