- A Microsoft support document reveals a new turn in the extended update scheme of Windows 10
- Even if you pay $ 30 for the program, you must have a Microsoft account
- The good news is that up to 10 devices are compatible with a license
We have had a late surprise revelation that the extended update scheme of Windows 10 will require a Microsoft account, even if you pay those updates (and does not assume the free offer).
Windows Central discovered a Microsoft support document that carries this information, which has left more than a few unhappy people.
When Microsoft revealed its extended security updates program (ESU), the company made it clear that the cost would be $ 30 for an additional year of support, until October 2026 (the normal support ends this October). Then, later, Microsoft gave way and offered a free option, allowing Windows 10 users to synchronize their PC configuration with their cloud service, which, of course, will require a Microsoft account (it will be recorded in OneDrive, where the data is synchronized).
People assumed that if they followed the payment route, spending $ 30 would be the only requirement, but it turns out that they will also need a Microsoft account to take advantage of the ESU in this way, which means that a local account on its PC will not be enough.
Microsoft tells us: “All registration options provide extended security updates until October 13, 2026. You must log in to your Microsoft account to register in ESU.”
In another part of the support document, Microsoft points out: “The ESU license is linked to its Microsoft account, so you can ask you to log in if you normally start logging into Windows with a local account.”
However, there are some good news here, which Microsoft also clarifies that this extended support program can be used in up to 10 devices. Therefore, while those PCs with Windows 10 are registered in the Microsoft account that has collected the ESU offer, they are good to begin.
Analysis: Local loss
Regardless of how you access the ESU scheme, the license you obtain must be linked to a Microsoft account. If you have forgotten those options, you can pay $ 30, synchronize the configuration of your PC with OneDrive, as mentioned or, alternatively, use 1,000 Microsoft rewards points (if you have them).
The reason for the Microsoft account requirement is undoubtedly, so the software giant can monitor the limit of 10 devices, but as noted, this will cause a certain degree of bad feeling. Since Microsoft has been pressing to have a local account when configuring Windows 11, and in particular the closure of lagoons that are present to falsify to have to link an installation to a Microsoft account, people will only suspect that this is just another way to take them to get a Microsoft account.
If you are paying $ 30 for the privilege of an additional year of support, shouldn’t that cash eliminate? I think so, and Microsoft could always warn him that if he does not use a Microsoft account, he will only obtain support in a single device (with which he is being registered). Then, users could decide, or not, with the link to an account based on their preference in that regard.
If you have several PC with Windows 10, mind, it is certainly good to know that you can cover them all with only one record for the ESU (even using the free offer).
