As Microsoft has switched to Windows 11 and has released it to the public many users remain satisfied with the Windows 10 operating environment.
With the rapidly changing technology landscape an important question arises, how do you want to continue using Windows 10? Here is how you can continue using Windows 10 safely and remain supported in the latter part of its lifecycle.
According to Microsoft’s own lifecycle FAQ – Windows 10 mainstream support ended in October of 2023. Security Updated will be available with extended support until October 14, 2025, which gives true Windows 10 devotees a limited amount of time to figure out their next steps.
If you are committed to using Windows 10 after 2025 or want to secure your use of Windows 10 until the very last moment, this article outlines important guidance, support options, and best practices.
Understanding Windows 10’s Support Timeline
After the support for Windows 10 ends on October 2025, Windows 10 will no longer be receiving security updates. The more time that passes after October 2025, with ordinary security updates the more susceptible those systems will be to malware, viruses, and cyber-attacks. Microsoft reminds, encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11 and/or migrate to supported operating systems.
For many users, adopting Windows 11 is disruptive or will be depending on hardware requirements or personal preferences. One option available to enterprise users is that Microsoft has provisions so enterprise users (and Pro users) can buy Extended Security Updates (ESUs) on versions of Windows 10 Professional and Enterprise editions, for an additional, critical security patch aside from the general support timeline. (Note: Microsoft Office 365 users do not have to worry about ESUs, you are always being supported by the latest version of Office).
As mentioned by ZDNet enterprise users can buy ESUs for up to three years from the mainstream support ending date. Meaning the enterprise can support a greater transition period and still have up to three years of critical security updates.
How To Continue Using Windows 10 Safely
If you want to continue using windows 10 whether in the short term or to 2025 here are things to consider doing to lower your risks:
1. Keep Windows 10 Updated
- You should always install the latest monthly cumulative updates that Microsoft has released. These patches address known security vulnerabilities and bugs.
- You can enable automatic updates to ensure critical patches are applied in a timely manner.
- If you experience errors with updating, you can also use the Windows Update Troubleshooter.
2. Use Strong Antivirus and Anti-Malware Protection
- You should consider using a good third-party antivirus software, or you could stick with the built-in Microsoft Defender Antivirus which will have all security signature updates at the same time as Windows updates.
- Consider doing periodic full system scans and paying attention and looking for any suspicious-looking activities on your system.
3. Backup Data routinely
- You should back up, documents, photos, and important system file on a routine basis.
- You could use inbuilt options like Windows Backup and Restore, or third-party cloud-backup services to protect your data from the threat of ransomware or your system failing completely.
4. Optimize Privacy and Security Settings
- Change your Windows privacy settings to limit the sharing of data and telemetry where feasible.
- Consistently check the reasons for permissions for installed apps.
- Make sure to use Windows Firewall and keep it up to enact unauthorized network access restrictions.
5. Limit Software and Hardware Change
- Avoid installing software or apps that have not been verified while avoiding installations from untrusted unknown sources.
- Make sure that you are keeping device drivers up to date from only high reputability sources.
- Use hardware that is compatible to avoid changes in stability and to avoid hardware compatibility issues.
Moving to Windows 11? Here is the Path
If you are a user that is ready to make the jump, the upgrade path to Windows 11 is the best to take as it provides:
- A modern interface designed for touch, pen inputs and multi-tasking.
- Better security features including TPM 2.0 and vendor-specific hardware virtualization.
- Performance improvements and its better suited to newer hardware.
The Microsoft PC Health Check app can determine if your hardware qualifies for Windows 11.
If your existing hardware doesn’t meet minimum requirements, you can:
- Continue to use Windows 10, but also taking caution and using prevention as your last resort.
- Upgrade where you can with new hardware.
- Use lightweight operating systems, like Linux distributions, if Windows can no longer be used.
Additional Options for Enterprise and Education Users
Microsoft has special programs for organizations that could be relevant to you. For example:
- Extended Security Update (ESU) purchases for extended support.
- Tools to help migration of user profiles and apps to Windows 11 with minimal impact.
- Training and support resources that may help the organization process through the transition.
According to TechRepublic, these enterprise-grade options are needed to ensure productivity losses are managed and compliance is achieved in terms of security while migrating.
Myths and Misunderstandings
Myth: “Windows 10 will stop working after October 2025.”
Fact: The operating system will continue to run but without security updates it will expand your risk exposure significantly.
Myth: “I can run Windows 10 forever and never upgrade.”
Fact: It is technically possible but with every passing day that Windows 10 is not updated and patched, you will be increasingly vulnerable to new threats, new software’s incompatibilities, and performance degradation.
Keep Yourself Informed and Prepared
If you want to continue using Windows 10, here is how to use it responsibly. Though Microsoft’s end of support is a milestone in our computing history, and it’s a sign that things are changing, with proper management, regular updates and maintaining a good level of security hygiene you can continue using Windows 10 responsibly for many years until 2025 and beyond. As part of your management strategy, it’s important to prepare for your eventual change. Futureproofing, such as moving to Windows 11, upgrading hardware, or switching to another type of operating system, is really important.
To keep yourself informed, keep watching official sources, like Microsoft, and legitimate technology news sources. The more you know about your system and the computing environment you are working in, the better decision you can make to keep your system secure and running smoothly.
