While the company itself hasn’t explained the reasoning behind the change, at least based on the statements we have so far, there is one notable reason why Microsoft could be changing its tune at this specific moment in time. For starters, some consumer defense organizations have been challenging Microsoft’s gate-keeping of the Extended Security Updates using the Digital Markets Act. One of these groups, called Euroconsumers, has argued that Microsoft is putting the access behind conditions that do not benefit the consumer.
Unfortunately, any countries beyond the EEA will still need to shell out for access to the Extended Security Updates. That said, Microsoft might relent if other organizations start pushing back. The EEA includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
Anyone outside these countries will still need to either backup their PC to the cloud using a Microsoft Account and pay $30 or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward Points to gain access to the Extended Security Updates for Windows 10.
