As we approach the end-of-life date for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, users worldwide are being forced to make a critical choice—pay for extended updates, upgrade to Windows 11, or risk running unsupported software. But now, Microsoft is offering a “free” path to extended updates through its ESU (Extended Security Updates) program. Sounds too good to be true? Let’s break down what’s really going on.
Meanwhile, in the UK, a passionate consumer movement called Stop Killing Games is pushing for laws to ensure that publishers cannot shut down games forever without giving users a way to keep playing. But as noble as the idea may seem, the potential side effects could hurt the very gaming industry it’s trying to protect.
🛡️ Windows 10 is Ending—But Extended Updates Might Be Free (With a Catch)
📅 The End Is Coming: October 14, 2025
Microsoft officially ends support for Windows 10 in October 2025. After that, the only way to get security updates is through the ESU program, which is a paid extension service—unless you’re willing to jump through a few hoops.
🆓 Two Ways to Get the ESU for Free
Method 1: Use OneDrive with Windows Backup
This method sounds simple but has limitations:
- You must sign in or create a Microsoft account.
- Enable Windows Backup to sync your files to OneDrive.
- This action automatically enrolls your PC in the free ESU program.
🛑 The catch?
OneDrive only gives you 5GB of free storage. If your backup exceeds that (which most people will), you’ll need a paid OneDrive plan—starting at $1.99/month for 100GB.
Method 2: Redeem Microsoft Reward Points
A less invasive option involves using 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. You earn points by:
- Using Bing for search
- Browsing with Microsoft Edge
- Making purchases through the Microsoft Store
These points can be collected within a few days of regular usage.
🛑 Catch #2?
Yes, you still need a Microsoft account. And it’s not really “free”—you’re indirectly paying with your data.
🎯 Why Is Microsoft Doing This?
The “free” ESU isn’t about generosity. It’s a clever way to push Microsoft products and harvest user data:
- Edge (browser)
- Bing (search engine)
- OneDrive (cloud storage)
By forcing users to sign into Microsoft services, they increase their market share and user lock-in. Microsoft is essentially paying you $30 in ESU value to join their ecosystem.
💵 Still Better to Pay the $30?
Absolutely—especially if you care about privacy or prefer local Windows accounts.
- $30 gets you ESU support until October 2026
- Works with Windows 10 Home, Pro, Education, and Workstation
- No Microsoft account required
- Covers up to 10 PCs
In contrast, business ESU licenses cost $61 per year per PC—which means consumers are getting a bargain.
🆙 Or Just Upgrade to Windows 11?
If your hardware is compatible, upgrading to Windows 11 is still free. And yes, you can still bypass TPM and CPU requirements using unofficial but safe tools.
💡 Want a cheap, genuine Windows 11 license?
🔑 Buy a Windows 11 License – $20 via VIP SCDKey
Use code CYBERCPU at checkout for 25% off. Activate in your Windows 11 settings to get rid of that annoying watermark.
🎮 Part 2: The UK’s “Stop Killing Games” Law – A Double-Edged Sword?
A new UK-based initiative called Stop Killing Games is gaining traction with over 150,000 petition signatures. It aims to stop publishers from rendering games unplayable after online support ends.
🧩 What Does the Initiative Want?
- Games must offer offline modes or private server support when publisher support ends.
- Publishers shouldn’t be allowed to disable games people paid for.
- Lawmakers should hold developers accountable for making playable experiences last.
🤔 Sounds Fair, But There’s a Problem…
While well-intentioned, government regulation often leads to unintended consequences, especially when lawmakers lack tech or gaming literacy.
🎮 Potential Side Effects:
- Innovation could stall if developers fear indefinite support obligations.
- Developers may hesitate to add experimental online features.
- Publishers may avoid risk altogether—hurting creative games.
Example:
Older titles like Max Payne don’t work natively on Windows 10/11. Should Rockstar be forced to patch them forever? That’s not sustainable.
💡 Can This Even Be Enforced?
It’s unlikely. You can’t legally force publishers to:
- Patch unsupported games forever
- Release their proprietary source code
- Maintain dead servers or re-engineer new ones
That would violate intellectual property rights, possibly even international law.
📷 UK Laws Affect the World
Even if you’re not in the UK, these laws affect global products. Companies don’t build country-specific firmware anymore.
🧠 Case in point: UK camera law taxes “camcorders.” As a result, cameras worldwide are artificially limited to 29-minute recording—even in countries where no such law exists.
✅ What Can We Do Instead?
Rather than forcing laws on developers, the better option is:
- Vote with your wallet
- Support publishers like Valve, who still update Counter-Strike 1.6
- Avoid buying games from studios that abandon players
📌 Consumer behavior is more powerful—and easier to implement—than legislative intervention.
❓ FAQs
Q: Is Windows 10 ESU required after 2025?
A: Only if you plan to continue using Windows 10 past October 14, 2025. Without it, you’ll stop receiving critical security updates.
Q: Can I use a local account and still get ESU?
A: Yes, but only if you pay the $30. Free options require a Microsoft account.
Q: Will the Stop Killing Games law affect me in the US?
A: Potentially. If publishers make changes to comply with UK law, they may apply the same to all users globally.
Q: Is the reward points method really free?
A: Technically yes, but you’re “paying” by using Microsoft’s products and giving them your usage data.
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🔖 Tags
windows 10 esu, microsoft account alternatives, extended updates, windows 11 upgrade, windows 10 end of life, stop killing games uk, gaming preservation laws, microsoft reward points, one drive limitations, data privacy, global tech laws
🏷️ Hashtags
#Windows10 #MicrosoftNews #StopKillingGames #DataPrivacy #Windows11Upgrade #MicrosoftRewards #OneDriveLimitations #GamingIndustry #UKTechLaw #WindowsUpdates
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All information is current at the time of writing but may be subject to change based on Microsoft or UK legislative decisions.
In Conclusion:
Microsoft’s free ESU isn’t really free—it’s a clever data trap. And the UK’s push for game preservation could backfire by killing off innovation. Stay informed, make smart choices, and most importantly—vote with your usage and your wallet.
