Overview
- European consumers can activate a free year of Extended Security Updates via a Microsoft account, while organizations can buy up to three years, with full‑term pricing reported at about €400 per device before VAT.
- CHIP reports the Microsoft Store lists a €31.49 ESU purchase for local‑account users but shows errors during checkout, and Microsoft’s FAQ says free ESU delivery stops if you do not sign in with the linked account at least every 60 days.
- Paying for ESU is described as removing the 60‑day sign‑in requirement, though a Microsoft account is still needed to complete the purchase.
- Tests show Windows Update prominently offers the Windows 11 upgrade, sometimes displacing ESU messaging; a single click starts the upgrade, and users have a 10‑day rollback window back to Windows 10.
- Germany’s federal administration lacks a consolidated inventory of Windows 10 PCs or a migration plan, as ministries cite missing resources for central license management and face added ESU and hardware costs.