Regions without consumer-friendly regulations aren’t so lucky.
Score another win for EU consumers. On Wednesday, Microsoft backtracked on the strings it had attached to Windows 10’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. However, it only did so in the European Economic Area (EEA) following complaints from an advocacy group. The elephant in the room? The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) safeguards against unlawful bundling and restricting consumer choice. Had the company not relented, those regulations could have spawned investigations and hefty fines.
« In the European Economic Area, we’re making updates to the enrollment process to ensure it meets local expectations and delivers a secure, streamlined experience », a Microsoft spokesperson told Windows Central. « Our goal is to support customers and provide them with options as they transition to Windows 11, with uninterrupted access to critical security updates. »
The move stems from Microsoft’s decisions regarding the future of Windows 10.
