[German]The end of support for Windows 10 22H2 is looming. On my system in a VM, I recently noticed that the end of support in October 2025 is reported in the update section. And after Microsoft granted private users in EAA one year of free ESU security updates, US consumer protection associations are now calling for this extension worldwide.
Windows 10 22H2 shows end of support
I had actually expected users to be informed about the end of support for Windows 10 22H2 with large banners. But this event seems to be handled very discreetly in the Windows Update section. End of September 2025 I reported in my German blog in the article Windows 10: Microsoft bietet ESU im EWR ohne Bedingungen für Konsumer (the English edition may be found here), that Microsoft offers ESU support to private users in EEA (European Economic Area) countries free of charge.
That's why I started a virtual machine with a German Windows 10 22H2. I had already set up a Microsoft account for it at the end of September 2025. I wanted to see whether the ESU extension for private users within the EEA was offered there. Without a Microsoft account, this option was not available. After setting up the Microsoft account, the following message appeared on the Windows Update page in the settings.
There you will find information that Windows 10 will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025. It says also, registration for extended security updates for Windows 10 will be available son. There is also a link that currently redirects to a Microsoft website where you can find general information about the end of support.
Pressure on Microsoft regarding Windows 10 end of support
At the end of September 2025, I reported in the blog post mentioned above, that Microsoft is offering ESU support to private users free of charge in EAA countries. Now Microsoft is facing another campaign against its decision to discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025.
This is evident from the above tweet on BlueSky and this article from ComputerWorld. The campaign is being led by PIRG, a consumer group that wants to convince Microsoft to reconsider its long-standing decision to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Without the ESU program, businesses and consumers around the world will no longer receive security updates.
Nathan Proctor, senior director at PIRG, is quoted by ComputerWorld as saying that it was pressure from the group that prompted Microsoft to agree to the European concessions of one year of free ESU support for private customers.
While European consumers have been granted another year's reprieve, there is still discontent in the business community. Companies can purchase ESU licenses for three years. "We have customers asking us why they won't get an extra year of support like European consumers," said Alex Pearce, chief strategist for Microsoft at reseller Softcat.
Nathan Proctor cites three reasons why PIRG is seeking an extension of support. "First, there is the environmental pollution caused by the disposal of computers and the impact of mining rare earth metals for the operation of new devices. Then there is the cost to consumers for upgrading, and finally, there will be significant security issues if these devices are not updated." I'm curious to see if Microsoft will make any concessions.
