In early 2023, Microsoft made a significant announcement regarding the future of Windows 10, revealing that official support would conclude in 2025. This decision left users with a little over two years to transition to Windows 11 or explore alternative operating systems. As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft will cease regular updates and security patches for Windows 10, marking the end of a decade-long era for the platform. This shift has prompted a mixed response from users; some have opted for the upgrade to Windows 11, while others have chosen to migrate to Linux. A notable number of users have also enrolled in Microsoft’s Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which offers a -per-year plan for continued security fixes. However, this service will also come to an end in October of this year, leaving Windows 10 users in search of new solutions.
Fortunately, a viable alternative has emerged in the form of 0patch, a software service designed to provide ongoing protection for Windows 10 systems. This Europe-based third-party security company specializes in delivering micropatches—small updates that address specific vulnerabilities. While the concept of micropatches may seem modest, their frequent release creates a robust safety net for users.
Understanding 0patch
0patch operates by monitoring the discovery of vulnerabilities reported by security researchers and developers. Once a new vulnerability is identified, 0patch swiftly creates a targeted micropatch and distributes it to its users. The frequency of these updates varies, but users can generally expect two to three micropatches each month. Mitja Kolsek, co-founder of 0patch, notes that the company has limited control over the influx of vulnerability information, as it relies on external discoveries. In practice, users may receive several patches over a few months, depending on the emergence of new vulnerabilities.
It is important to note that not all vulnerabilities are patched. 0patch prioritizes vulnerabilities that meet specific criteria, including:
- The exploit is publicly known and available to attackers.
- It is actively being exploited.
- Microsoft does not have an official fix available.
- The software or feature in question is widely used.
0patch offers both a free tier and a paid Pro plan. The free version primarily provides zero-day patches for critical vulnerabilities, while the Pro plan includes post-End of Service (EoS) updates. Kolsek advises that relying solely on the free version is not recommended without also subscribing to Microsoft’s ESU service, as the free tier lacks the “legacy patches” necessary for comprehensive protection of Windows 10 22H2. Alternatively, users can opt for the 0patch Pro plan, which includes these legacy patches.
Performance Insights
For a firsthand experience, I installed the free version of 0patch on a Windows 10 laptop to assess its performance in real-world conditions. The installation process was straightforward; the application operates seamlessly in the background, requiring minimal user intervention. The user interface is intuitive, providing a clear overview of active patches, protected applications, and available options within the paid plan.
The built-in 0patch Agent automatically detects and installs micropatches as they become available, with the option for users to disable specific patches if needed. However, it is worth mentioning that some users have reported performance issues following updates, including compatibility problems with certain antivirus programs and occasional crashes. Should any patch cause disruptions, users can easily disable it via the app’s dashboard.
One of the standout features of 0patch is the lightweight nature of its updates, which have shown to have minimal impact on system performance. In my tests using Geekbench 6, I found no significant degradation in performance attributable to 0patch. Furthermore, uninstalling the service removes all patches without leaving residual files, allowing users to revert to their previous setup if desired.
Looking ahead, 0patch plans to continue supporting Windows 10 until at least October 2030, with the possibility of extending support based on user demand. Kolsek indicated that if there is sufficient interest, the company may continue its Windows 10 support well into the future.
Buying Advice
The 0patch Pro plan is priced at €25 per year (approximately ) and includes a complimentary 30-day trial. For organizations, an Enterprise plan is available for €35 (around ) annually, offering management tools for multiple users and devices. For individual users protecting a single PC, the Pro plan is the most suitable option. The free tier can suffice for those also subscribed to Microsoft’s ESU service, but it is essential to remember that ESU patches will only be available until October 2026.
While I personally tested the software, I do not currently use 0patch, having opted to upgrade to Windows 11 despite my reservations. For those who prefer not to transition to the latest Windows version, exploring Linux remains a strong long-term alternative, as highlighted by ZDNET’s Jack Wallen in his analysis of the most promising Linux distributions for 2026.
