As we reported, Microsoft recently announced that it has made the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program completely free for Windows 10 users in the European Economic Area (EEA). The company has now announced the new requirements for participating in this program.

What you need to do to receive Windows 10 updates

This means users will no longer need to sync their computer settings to the cloud. However, to continue receiving security updates, they will need to sign in with a Microsoft account at least every 60 days. Otherwise, the device will be automatically removed from the ESU program.

Microsoft’s support page states the following:

“ESU updates will stop after your Microsoft Account has not been used as a sign-in for 60 days. You will need to renew your registration by signing in again with the same account.”

This requires an additional step, especially for users who prefer to use Windows 10 with a local account. Users who sign in with a Microsoft account should not experience any issues.

The positive side of this news is that even if your computer is removed from the ESU program, you won’t face any penalties. You can rejoin the program and continue receiving security updates by logging back in with your Microsoft account.

Consumer ESU support for Windows 10 will only last one year. Therefore, the free ESU program, which began when official support ended on October 14, 2025, will end completely in October 2026.

For users outside Europe, the terms remain unchanged: accessing the free ESU requires either syncing your computer settings to the cloud or paying $30 (or using 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points).

While Microsoft is encouraging the transition to Windows 11, compatibility issues are expected to keep millions of computers running Windows 10 for years to come.