- A Microsoft support document reveals a new twist on the extended update of Windows 10
- Even if you pay $ 30 for the program, you will have to have a Microsoft account
- The good news is that up to 10 devices are supported with a license
We have had a late surprise revelation that the extended update system of Windows 10 will force you to have a Microsoft account, even if you pay for these updates (and do not take the free offer).
Windows Central discovered a Microsoft support document bearing this information, which left more than a few unhappy people.
When Microsoft revealed its prolonged security updates program (ESU), the company clearly indicated that the cost would be $ 30 for an additional support year, until October 2026 (the normal support ends in October). Then, Microsoft gave in and offered a free option, allowing Windows 10 users to choose instead of synchronizing their PC settings on its cloud service – which, of course, requires a Microsoft account (to be connected to OneDrive, where the data is synchronized).
People assumed that if they were going to compensate, spending $ 30 would be the only requirement – but it turns out that you will also need a Microsoft account to prevail in this way, which means that a local account on your PC will not be enough.
Microsoft says to us: “All the registration options offer extended safety updates until October 13, 2026. You will have to log into your Microsoft account in order to register for ESU.”
Elsewhere in the assistance document, Microsoft Note: “The ESU license is linked to your Microsoft account, so you can be invited to connect if you usually connect to Windows with a local account.”
However, there are good news here, namely that Microsoft also specifies that this extended support program can be used for up to 10 devices. So, as long as these Windows 10 PCs are all connected to the Microsoft account which has recovered the ESU offer, they are good to leave.
Analysis: Local loss
Whichever way you access the ESU program, the license you get must be linked to a Microsoft account. If you have forgotten these options, you can pay $ 30, synchronize your PC settings on OneDrive, as mentioned, or alternately, use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points (if you have them).
The reason for the requirement of the Microsoft account is undoubtedly so that the software giant can control the limit of 10-Apparements, but as indicated, this will cause a certain degree of bad feeling. Since Microsoft pushed to be able to have a local account when configuring Windows 11 – and the closure in particular of the gaps that are present to make your way to attach an installation to a Microsoft account – people are only wary of just another way of pushing them to obtain a Microsoft account.
If you pay $ 30 for the privilege of an additional year of support, should this money be sufficient? I think yes, and Microsoft could always warn you that if you do not use a Microsoft account, you will only get support on one device (the one with which you register). Then, users could decide to proceed or not, with a link to an account according to their preference in this regard.
If you have several Windows 10 PCs, Mind, it is undoubtedly good to know that you can cover them all with a single registration for ESU (even using the free offer).
