I recently looked at my mother’s old desktop and found out she’s still using a HP computer from 2009. This means not only is playing my Steam games unlikely, but the stringent requirements for Windows 11 also create obstacles for upgrading when Windows 10’s official support ends on October 14. Therefore, my mother’s well-maintained Windows 10 will soon be obsolete—unless…

Fortunately, there’s good news: Users can enroll in extended security updates (ESU) for free until October 13, 2026, simply by logging into Windows with a Microsoft account. This means her OS will continue to be updated and secure for an additional year.

However, there’s a catch: This facility is only available for users in the European Economic Area (EEA), which comprises the 27 member states of the EU. Unfortunately, it does not extend to users in the US or UK.

If users fail to log in within 60 days, they will cease to receive the security updates but can re-enroll easily.

For those outside the EEA, Microsoft has provided options including enabling Windows Backup or using Microsoft Points to continue receiving updates, although they will also offer a one-time payment plan of about $30 for this service. Perhaps it’s a good time for those affected to reach out for more straightforward solutions.