Microsoft has announced that its controversial Extended Support Updates (ESU) for Windows 10, starting this October, have been made free exclusively in the European Economic Area. The announcement also heralds the discontinuation of Microsoft's alternative data-sharing measures to keep a device on Windows 10 in the region.
"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," said Microsoft in a statement to Windows Central yesterday. These "local expectations" include consumer watchdog groups, such as Euroconsumers, calling Microsoft's ESU plan a form of planned obsolescence.
