Microsoft has been compelled to offer its Extended Security Updates for Windows 10 free of charge in select European markets, dropping the earlier requirement for users to enable Windows Backup. This change comes just weeks before Windows 10 reaches its end of support on October 14, 2025, following pressure from the consumer advocacy group Euroconsumers, which argued for better support for users still on Windows 10. Previously, users were required to activate Windows Backup, which necessitates a Microsoft account and could result in additional charges for extra OneDrive storage. Euroconsumers welcomed the decision, stating that users would not need to back up their settings or use Microsoft Rewards to access these updates. However, while Windows Backup is no longer mandatory in the European Economic Area, users must sign into their Microsoft account at least once every 60 days to maintain access to the updates. Consumers will continue to receive these security updates until October 13, 2026, while businesses have the option to purchase up to three years of support. Euroconsumers is advocating for a longer update period to enhance security for consumers.
And remember, Consumer Reports just pushed back on this in the US too.
I’ll also note Apple has announced that it is delaying the release of several product features in Europe due to challenges in complying with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act. The company stated that the regulation has introduced “more complexity and more risks for our EU users,” particularly regarding the requirement to make Apple features available on third-party devices. Among the impacted features are artificial intelligence-powered Live Translation for AirPods, iPhone Mirroring, and functionalities related to Apple Maps. Apple has emphasized that it is investing significant resources to meet these compliance requirements, noting that the list of delayed features may continue to grow. The European Union has set a deadline for Apple to implement these changes by the end of the year, or face potential fines, following a previous penalty of $580 million for violating anti-steering rules in April.
Why do we care?
Here’s what’s happening: the EU leaned on Microsoft, and now Windows 10 users there get free security updates till 2026—no more OneDrive hoops to jump through. Meanwhile, Apple’s pulling features like AirPods translation and iPhone Mirroring in Europe because of the Digital Markets Act. What does this tell us? Regulators are flexing, and vendors are blinking. For MSPs, that means fielding client questions: “Why are my home PCs covered free, but my business has to pay?” Or, “Why does this Apple feature work in the U.S. but not here?” Bottom line: regulation is now part of the service landscape. You’ve got to translate it for customers before the confusion turns into frustration.