Using Windows 10? Do This Now to Lower Your Risk of Being Hacked

Support for Windows 10 officially concluded last year, yet the response to Windows 11 has been tepid at best. For many users, the potential security risks associated with sticking to Windows 10 do not seem compelling enough to warrant an upgrade. Microsoft has been vocal in its recommendation to transition to Windows 11 or, ideally, invest in a new computer. However, compatibility issues with existing hardware and the rising costs of RAM and tariffs make the suggestion to “just buy a new computer” feel somewhat disconnected from reality. While some users may continue to receive critical updates for a limited time, the question remains: how long can one safely operate on Windows 10? Allow me to offer some guidance to help you navigate this transition period.

Windows 10 Didn’t Break Overnight—But Its Safety Net Did

As many have observed, Windows 10 machines did not abruptly cease functioning on October 14, 2025. There are no immediate signs that the operating system has lost support. So, what are the implications of this end of support?

If you encounter an issue with Windows 10 and seek assistance from Microsoft, you will quickly find that support is no longer available. Attempting to run Windows Update will yield a warning stating, “Your device is no longer receiving security updates.” In essence, the most significant consequence of the end of support is the cessation of updates, particularly security patches. Users are now left to fend for themselves.

Is Staying on Windows 10 Risky?

For many, Windows Update is often seen as an inconvenience, interrupting tasks at inopportune moments. While some updates enhance functionality, others are crucial for patching security vulnerabilities. With Microsoft halting all updates for Windows 10, any newly discovered security flaws will remain unaddressed unless they are severe enough to compel Microsoft to act.

The ongoing battle between malware developers and antivirus software is akin to a tug of war. For every new vulnerability, a defense mechanism emerges. However, when one side stops exerting effort, the balance inevitably shifts. Over time, users may find that new software applications only support Windows 11, and hardware devices may lack the necessary drivers for compatibility with Windows 10. For instance, high-end tools like Visual Studio and the latest Microsoft Teams already require Windows 11, leaving users with limited options unless they stick to applications that still support Windows 10.

Extended Security Updates: Windows 10’s Last Lifeline

Upon examining the Windows Update interface, one might notice a peculiar contradiction. Despite the warning regarding the lack of security updates, the application still offers an update for Microsoft Defender Antivirus, along with a security update for Windows 10. Indeed, Microsoft has committed to providing updates for Microsoft Defender Antivirus on Windows 10 until October 2028.

Additionally, the app encourages users to enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10. While Microsoft has long warned of Windows 10’s impending end, it is still willing to extend support for an additional year, until October 13, 2026.

To qualify for the ESU, users must meet specific criteria. Only consumer editions of Windows are eligible, and the operating system must be fully updated. The Windows account used for enrollment must have Administrator privileges, and Windows Backup must be enabled to sync essential data to an online backup.

For those who do not utilize Windows Backup, there are alternative pathways to qualify for ESU. Users can redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points to gain access without the backup requirement, or they can opt for a straightforward cash payment of for enrollment.

It is important to note that Microsoft has a separate ESU program for businesses and organizations, which costs per PC—more than double the consumer rate. Businesses can also extend their ESU protection for an additional two years, albeit at an increasing cost each year. In contrast, consumers are limited to just one year of extended security.

How to Protect a Windows 10 PC After Microsoft Walks Away

According to StatCounter, Windows 11 installations surpassed those of Windows 10 in June 2025, with current figures showing Windows 11 at 53.7% and Windows 10 at 42.7%. This indicates a substantial number of PCs still operating on Windows 10. If the PC Health Check utility indicates that your machine cannot run Windows 11, or if you simply prefer to remain on Windows 10, you can continue using it. However, signing up for extended updates does not revitalize Windows 10; it merely provides security updates. As per Microsoft’s documentation, enrollment “does not provide other types of fixes, feature improvements, or product enhancements. It also does not come with technical support.” This means that while you may receive some security updates, the fundamental security challenges remain unaddressed.

For those opting to stick with Windows 10, vigilance is paramount. It is essential to have third-party security solutions in place to compensate for the absence of built-in security updates from Microsoft. Installing a robust antivirus program and ensuring it remains up to date is crucial. Regular checks to confirm the antivirus is functioning correctly can help mitigate risks. Even if a malicious application exploits a Windows vulnerability, the antivirus should ideally recognize and quarantine it before it can execute its harmful code. In the event that malware does manage to launch, behavior-based detection can help identify and neutralize the threat.

Enhancing protection can also be achieved by upgrading from a basic antivirus to a comprehensive security suite. Many of these suites include firewalls designed to protect against exploits targeting system vulnerabilities. Given that exploits pose a significant risk when security patches are unavailable, this feature can greatly bolster your defenses. Utilizing a VPN can further enhance security by creating a barrier between your device and potentially harmful websites. Ultimately, as Microsoft withdraws its security support for Windows 10, the responsibility for proactive protection shifts to the user, but it is certainly an achievable goal.