Microsoft has decided to support Windows 10 for another year

[iHorseHead]

Now that Microsoft has decided to support Windows 10 till 2026:
European Windows 10 users get an additional year of free security updates
Is there a chance of Windows 10 becoming the next Windows XP? Makes me wonder why Apple doesn't do that. If people would stay stuck on macOS 15 and wouldn't install the later releases what would Apple do?
Because I've heard so much negativity about the new macOS and iOS 26 that I'll skip it. It has never been this bad. There wasn't even that much backlash when Lion was released.
I've been looking at PCs lately and thinking of going with Linux (any LTS distro) because I like stability. Besides, my iPad (9th gen) is already lagging on iOS 18.

I'm just happy that people forced Microsoft to support Windows 10 for another year. It's a good operating system.

 

[Boyd01]

Doesn't look like this has any effect on users in the US and users in the EU will still have to jump through some hoops, but with less strict requirements than before and no fees.

In major backtracking move, Microsoft makes Windows 10 extended security updates free for users in the EEA

In a major move, Microsoft is making access to Windows 10's extended support updates free for regions in the European Economic Area. No cloud backup required.

www.windowscentral.com

Am still using Windows 10 heavily in a 32gb Parallels VM on my 2018 Mini and plan to stick with it. Have been reading about this whole issue for awhile and there have been a number of articles about how to get a year of extended support for $30 or possibly free in some cases (this is also covered at the end of that link above). Eventually, guess I'll just go with one of these methods. I only use Windows to run some professional GIS software (for making maps) and never use it for anything personal like e-mail or browsing. So, not terribly worried about security updates, but would like to have them and if it costs $30... no big deal (free is better though )

 

[Grumpus]

So, not terribly worried about security updates, but would like to have them and if it costs $30... no big deal (free is better though )

You can enroll your machine using abbodi1406's Consumer ESU scripts. Free, works with your local account, no hoops. Of course, only the 2nd Tuesday in November will tell.

 

[M4th]

I finally enrolled yesterday for an old Dell desktop (2013) that I rarely use but still want to have as a back up.

This may not apply for a VM in any macOS but if you already have an MS account, sign up with OneDrive, keep MS Edge pinned to the taskbar and a shortcut on the desktop then there should be no fee.

Since I already moved all files (around 100gb) from the Dell to my mini, falling below the free 5gb OneDrive limit was not an issue. That might be something to be aware of if anyone really doesn't want to fork over any $ to MS.

 

[Non-Euclidean]

A good guide to getting the extended support.

How to get another free year of updates for your Windows 10 PC

Buying Windows 10 a one-year stay of execution doesn’t have to cost anything.

arstechnica.com

Note, this initially blew up in my face, the MS account login failed thinking the PC had no internet access. It was ExpressVPN. I ended up having to make W10 USB install media, boot with it, drop to command prompt and rename the ExpressVPN folder. When I restarted, I could login. So I finished getting the support, changed back to local admin account login, then renamed the folder after rebooting and logging in again. What a pain.

 

[Boyd01]

Have been getting these e-mails from Microsoft about the extended support options but ignored them until today. I'm using a Parallels VM, so I backed it up and also updated Windows 10 (I had updates disabled while working on a big project). Was resigned to the fact that it would cost me $30, but when I went to the update settings, it said it was free since I had backed up my Windows settings (no idea how or when, but I'll take it).

So, just one button click and I was enrolled for another year. Guess it was so easy because I purchased a Windows 10 license directly from Microsoft when I initially setup the VM in 2020?

 

[gank41]

Have been getting these e-mails from Microsoft about the extended support options but ignored them until today. I'm using a Parallels VM, so I backed it up and also updated Windows 10 (I had updates disabled while working on a big project). Was resigned to the fact that it would cost me $30, but when I went to the update settings, it said it was free since I had backed up my Windows settings (no idea how or when, but I'll take it).

So, just one button click and I was enrolled for another year. Guess it was so easy because I purchased a Windows 10 license directly from Microsoft when I initially setup the VM in 2020?

I've been looking to Legacy Update for updates on Pre-Win10 VM's I've had saved forever, and from what the developer of this has been posting online, there may even be a chance he's able to start supporting Win10, too. Who knows..

Legacy Update: Get back online, activate, and install updates on your legacy Windows PC

Getting error 80072EFE when checking for Windows Updates on your old version of Windows? Legacy Update continues support for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, etc. where Microsoft left off.

legacyupdate.net

I had tried updating the Win10 install on my 2018 Mac mini and it wasn't as straight forward as I was hoping, and looks like I'd need a USB install plugged in. For how much I actually use it, though, I may just stick with Win10 and go with the extended support and then just leave it where it ends up..