Do I Still Need a Microsoft Account for Free Windows 10 Updates in Europe?

How Can I Keep My Windows 10 PC Secure After 2025 Without Upgrading?

Microsoft Windows 10 has a final end-of-life date. After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop providing free support for most versions of Windows 10. This means your computer will no longer receive important security updates, non-security fixes, or technical assistance. Using a computer without these updates is risky. It becomes an easy target for viruses, spyware, and other malicious software that can steal your personal information or damage your device. Your digital safety depends on having a secure operating system.

To help people who are not ready to move to Windows 11, Microsoft created a program called Extended Security Updates, or ESU. This program is a temporary solution. It gives you more time by providing critical security updates for your Windows 10 PC after the 2025 deadline. Recently, there has been a lot of confusion about how this program works, especially for users in Europe. The core of the confusion was whether these updates would be completely free without any requirements. Microsoft has now clarified the details. While the rules in Europe are more flexible than in the rest of the world, a Microsoft account is still necessary to get the free updates.

What Are Extended Security Updates?

Think of Extended Security Updates as a safety net for your computer. The ESU program does not give you new features or change how Windows 10 looks or works. Its only job is to deliver “Critical” and “Important” security patches. These patches fix vulnerabilities that hackers could use to attack your system. The program is designed for users and businesses who have computers that cannot upgrade to Windows 11 or who need more time to transition to new hardware.

The goal of ESU is not to keep Windows 10 alive forever. It is a bridge. It allows you to continue using your current computer safely for up to three additional years while you plan your next move. This could be upgrading your hardware to a model that supports Windows 11 or migrating your data to a new device. Without these updates, your computer and personal data would be at significant risk.

The Source of Confusion in Europe

The misunderstanding began in late September 2025. EuroConsumers, a major European consumer rights group, announced that Microsoft had made Windows 10 ESU “truly” free for users in the European Economic Area (EEA). The announcement suggested that Microsoft had removed almost all requirements. It specifically mentioned that users would not need to back up their settings to OneDrive, use Microsoft Rewards, or perform other actions that were required in other parts of the world. This news spread quickly, leading many to believe that a Microsoft account was no longer needed at all.

Microsoft then issued a statement to the press. The statement confirmed that the enrollment process for ESU in the EEA was being updated to meet “local expectations.” However, the language was vague. It did not explicitly state whether a Microsoft account was required or who was eligible for the free option. This lack of clarity caused more confusion. Many news websites interpreted the statement as a confirmation of EuroConsumers’ claims, running headlines that said a Microsoft account was not required for ESU in Europe. This interpretation turned out to be incorrect. The situation required a direct clarification from Microsoft to set the record straight.

The Official Rules for Windows 10 ESU in Europe

After the initial wave of confusing reports, Microsoft provided a clear explanation of the requirements. For users inside the European Economic Area, there are two distinct paths to enroll in the Windows 10 ESU program. This choice provides more flexibility than what is offered to users in the United States and other regions. It is important to understand both options to decide which one is right for you.

Option 1: The Free Path with a Microsoft Account

This is the no-cost option for receiving Extended Security Updates. To use this path, you must have a Microsoft account (MSA) and be signed into it on your Windows 10 PC. An MSA is the same account you might use for Outlook, Xbox, or OneDrive, and it is free to create.

• Requirement: You must sign in to your PC with your Microsoft account. You need to remain signed in to continue receiving the ESU updates.
• The 60-Day Rule: If you do not sign in with your MSA for a period of 60 days, the ESU updates will stop. To resume them, you will need to sign back in with the same Microsoft account to re-enroll your device.
• No OneDrive Sync Needed: Unlike in other regions, you are not required to use the Windows Backup app or sync your computer’s settings, apps, or files to OneDrive. This change was made to comply with European regulations.

This option is ideal for users who already use a Microsoft account to log in to their PC or do not mind using one to keep their system secure at no extra cost.

Option 2: The One-Time Purchase Path

If you prefer not to stay signed into a Microsoft account, or if you use a local account on your PC, Microsoft offers a paid alternative. This path allows you to get the same security updates after a single enrollment action.

• Requirement: To enroll, you must first sign in with a Microsoft account one time. This initial sign-in is only for the enrollment process.
• Cost: After enrolling, you make a one-time purchase of $30 USD (or the equivalent in your local currency), plus any applicable taxes.
• Use a Local Account: Once you have completed the purchase, you are free to sign out of your Microsoft account and continue using a local account on your PC. The ESU updates will continue for the year you have paid for.

This option is designed for individuals who value privacy and prefer to keep their computer usage tied to a local account, separate from online services. It gives you the freedom to secure your PC without maintaining a constant connection to a Microsoft account.

How ESU in Europe Differs from the Rest of the World

The rules for Windows 10 ESU in the European Economic Area are unique. This is largely due to regulations like the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to prevent large technology companies from forcing users to use bundled services.

In the European Economic Area (EEA)

Users have a choice. They can either stay signed in with a Microsoft account for free updates or make a one-time purchase to use a local account. The requirement to sync data to OneDrive has been removed. Furthermore, using Microsoft Rewards points to pay for ESU is no longer an option in the EU.

Outside the EEA (United States, etc.)

The requirements are stricter. To get the “no-cost” ESU, users must sign in with a Microsoft account, install the Windows Backup app, and actively sync their PC settings to OneDrive. This effectively links the security updates to the usage of Microsoft’s cloud services. Users in these regions also have the option to use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points to claim the updates.

This key difference gives European users more control over their data and how they interact with Microsoft’s ecosystem.

A Potential Workaround: The Region Change Method

An unofficial method exists that may allow users outside of Europe to access the more flexible ESU enrollment options. This involves changing your computer’s system region to a country within the EEA.

Here is how it generally works:

1. Go to Settings on your Windows 10 PC.
2. Navigate to Time & Language.
3. Select the Region tab.
4. Under the “Country or region” dropdown menu, choose an EEA country, such as Ireland, Germany, or France.
5. After changing the region, you can proceed with the ESU enrollment process.

While you would still need a Microsoft account for the free path, this method would remove the requirement to sync your settings with OneDrive.

It is important to approach this method with caution. This is not an officially supported solution from Microsoft. Changing your system’s region could affect other services, apps, or content from the Microsoft Store that are region-specific. This workaround should be considered a temporary solution, and users should understand the potential for unintended consequences.

Planning Your Next Steps

With the Windows 10 end-of-life date approaching, now is the time to make a plan. Ignoring the deadline could put your personal information at risk. Here are the steps you should take to ensure a smooth and secure transition.

Check Your PC for Windows 11 Compatibility

The first step is to see if your current computer can run Windows 11. Microsoft provides a free tool called the PC Health Check app. Download and run this application. It will scan your hardware and let you know if your machine meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11.

Decide on Your Path

Based on the results, you have a few options. If your PC is compatible, the best and most secure long-term solution is to upgrade to Windows 11 for free. If your PC is not compatible, you can either purchase a new computer that comes with Windows 11 or plan to use the Windows 10 ESU program.

Enroll in ESU if Necessary

If you decide to stick with Windows 10, make sure you enroll in the ESU program before the October 14, 2025 deadline. For users in Europe, choose between staying signed in with your Microsoft account for the free option or making the one-time $30 purchase for more flexibility. No matter which path you choose, taking action is essential to protect your device from security threats.