Windows 10 extended support is now free, but only in Europe — Microsoft capitulates on controversial $30 ESU price tag which remains firmly in place for the U.S

Non-ESU Windows 10 can’t pause updates anymore, including if Windows 11 install starts accidentally by user

Non-ESU Windows 10 users are unable to pause updates, even if accidentally starting a Windows 11 install, due to a grayed-out "Pause updates for 7 days" option. This change seems to affect devices not enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, with the pause option becoming inaccessible. Microsoft has not clarified if this change is intentional or a bug, but it appears to be related to ESU enrollment. Users are encouraged to enroll in ESU to continue receiving security updates for Windows 10 until October 2026.

How to enroll for Windows 10 ESU — Get a year of free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates

Microsoft offers Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) for users not ready to switch to Windows 11, providing an additional year of security updates. To qualify, Windows 10 PCs must run specific versions and have the latest updates installed. ESU can be obtained for $30, 1000 Microsoft Rewards points, or for free with Windows Backup. European Economic Area residents can enroll for free due to consumer defense challenges. Enrollment is straightforward through Windows Update settings, ensuring updates until October 2026. Failure to back up settings may lead to losing free updates.

Microsoft no longer permits local Windows 10 accounts if you want Consumer Extended Security Updates — support beyond EOL requires a Microsoft Account link-up even if you pay $30

Dr. L.C. Lu on TSMC Advanced Technology Design Solutions

Dr. L.C. Lu, a key figure at TSMC, focuses on design-technology co-optimization, packaging innovations, and AI-driven methodologies for next-gen semiconductor systems. TSMC emphasizes DTCO and DDCL innovations for scaling from N5 to A14 nodes, with NanoFlex and NanoFlex Pro architectures offering efficiency gains. N2P and N2U nodes incorporate advanced DTCO and power delivery optimizations, with hybrid dual-rail architectures achieving significant energy savings. TSMC collaborates with EDA partners for AI integration, enhancing productivity and design quality. Advanced packaging technologies like CoWoS and SoIC play a crucial role in enabling AI scaling, with memory bandwidth and interconnect performance scaling aggressively. TSMC addresses power delivery and thermal management challenges in AI systems through advanced solutions. TSMC's advancements in design methodologies and AI-driven automation promise improved productivity and scalability in chip-package co-design.