Using Windows 10 past its end of support date, is it really that bad?

[Carlisle R.]

I run Windows 11 with most security features turned on, the only one that isn't is Smart App Control, because it requires me to reinstall the entire system and I won't be dedicating time to that right now. But I have seen way too many articles about the end of Windows 10 support, some making it out to be something really scary, others more informational, I am sure you have read them too. Is it really that bad to continue using the OS in that unsupported, unpatched state?

Thinking about phones, Android devices because I don't have an iPhone, many of my friends and family are using phones that have stopped receiving security updates years ago, and they couldn't care less. My parents for example, they were born in '58 and '60, so they aren't too old, but they aren't really interested in technology. Any update that changes things becomes a problem, so the lack of updates is actually a blessing for them.

Whether it is them or my friends, they get apps from the Play Store and it keeps them updated, so the security of the OS itself doesn't register for them. Some even have devices that were already in that state during the pandemic!

Wouldn't it be the same for people using Windows 10 past its end of support date, or those who actively choose to skip security updates? I am sure there are risks, especially if they don't use up to date malware solutions, but whatever programs they use are likely autoupdated as well. Browser, office suite, design tools, games, ... Even if they aren't update automatically I am sure messages are shown when new versions are available, and browsers are more exposed than other programs I'd say.

It's like encryption, I don't remember when it became mandatory on Android but it was many years ago, I remember some phones were slow back then because they weren't capable of encrypting at the hardware level (or similar, my understanding is limited), but it is something we don't think about these days. On Android the encryption key is derived from the lockscreen PIN or pattern I believe, and there is no recovery key like with BitLocker, so if forgotten there goes everything. When we last talked about it, none of my friends even knew.

Is it just me or are many of these articles like clickbait, detached from reality in other aspects? Some of my friends don't even own computers anymore, their phones are what they use for digital interactions.

[inactive]

Basically while not recommended, is not immediate 'red-flag' as I tend to be more of the mindset as this...

Quote

Windows 10 won’t suddenly become unsafe when support ends. It’ll keep working fine, and security tools like Microsoft Defender will still get updates. If you’re careful with what you click, download, and run, and keep your security and other software current, you can stay safe without panicking or rushing to upgrade.

which is a summary of... https://askleo.com/why-i-dont-expect-a-windows-10-apocalypse/

I think that's more of a realistic answer to Windows 10's end-of-support instead of the doom-and-gloom everyone preaches. I get it's easier/safer to just tell people 'update to Windows 11' etc but those who choose to continue using Windows 10 will likely be closer to safe than not 'if' they are careful. because as I always say... the user tends to be the weakest link. so if a person is careful on what's allowed to run on their PC, keeps their browser updated, chances are they will be safe enough if I am playing the odds. because the web browser is probably the area most at risk in general (for people who are careful) and that will still receive updates. so short of a 0-day type of thing that can infect a persons computer just from visiting a shady site, which is unlikely if a person keeps their browser updated, you are good enough.

  

On 10/08/2025 at 07:33, Carlisle R. said:

Some of my friends don't even own computers anymore, their phones are what they use for digital interactions.

Yeah, sadly I notice the same among my general family as vast majority just use smart phones for their online (but I notice those who don't use real PC's and stick with smart phones tends to be people who use a bit of social media (or the like), maybe take some photos/videos, and not much beyond that). but personally it will be a cold day in hell before I use a smart phone over a proper desktop PC since they are always going to be the best way to experience the internet for anyone who does anything beyond very basic stuff as it's faster, bigger screen, keyboard (which is a lot faster than typing on a touchscreen) etc.

like a smart phone is okay for looking up something quick online, but if I am going to be typing more than a sentence or so, I am always going to be using a proper computer.

Edited August 10, 2025 by ThaCrip

[darkrats]

As I did with Windows 7, I will be using Windows 10 until I buy a new printer or other device that needs an updated Windows. I have a good Antivirus and a good Firewall. And most of my software either doesn't need updating (like my current MS Office) or I can switch to an alternative program that does the same thing. Also, it's not unusual to come across an authentic Windows security update while browsing the net, so I might be able to install those past the October deadline for most users. I routinely back up my entire drive, so I'm not to concerned even if I do make contact with some kind of malware or other malicious software. I will move up to Windows 11 in my own time. I'm not going to be pressured into buying a new operating system or a new computer. Even my old Window 7 machine is fine for someone who just wants to type out a document, look at PDFs, browse the net or use email.

[aioraito]

I'm still using Windows 7 without security software while connected to the internet. I have it dual boot with Windows 10 LTSC 2019

[Carlisle R.]

On 11/08/2025 at 15:16, aioraito said:

I'm still using Windows 7 without security software while connected to the internet. I have it dual boot with Windows 10 LTSC 2019

It has been a while since I last used Windows 7, but I figured many of the articles about using Windows past the EOS date were more scaremongering or sensationalism for clicks than informative.

I would still advise to use something that is supported, and a good antimalware solution, to anyone who asks, but I don't think it is that big of a deal to have an unpatched machine that is used daily. I used to use Kaspersky before it was banned in the US, and now I am using BitDefender, I welcome security features, the way I see it, the more, the harder it is for a bad actor to breach things, even if I think I know my way around things I rather not risk it with drive-by malware around.

[+BudMan MVC]

I am not moving to 11 at this time, even though my PC supports moving to it.  I just don't see anything there that makes it worth the move. My work laptop runs 11, and not like it doesn't work.. Its that my pc works exactly how I want it to work currently - and there is no feature of 11 that says oh yeah that is cool, I need to move to that. Maybe in a year or so that will be different?

But you can move the updates date out another year (2026) for free.. You can use one drive as one free way to get ESU, or my plan just using reward points - this is only 1000 points. Which I got in 2 days by just putting bing app on my phone, and doing some BS searches, and takings some stupid 3 question quizzes, that you don't even have to get right.  You get 500 points just for installing the bing app and doing a search twice in 14 days..  I currently have 1300 some points in 2 days for a few minutes of clicks..  Once I get the esu update, take all of another few seconds to delete the stupid bing app off my phone.

The free ESU option gives me another year to think about do I just move to 11 or maybe linux, etc. 

[Ixion]

No, it won't instantly become insecure overnight. Still, as patches are released for Win 11 after 10 drops out of support, people will be able to see what's being patched and work out if that applies to the older OS where it won't get patched.

Many exploits don't require you to take any action to get infected. Back in the "good old days" of XP, an unpatched machine would typically get infected within 20 minutes of being connected to the internet. Eventually, the same fate will befall Windows 10.

If you want to see for yourself have a tinker with some Kali Linux tutorials and play with Metasploit, some of the tools are already downright scary!

[notta]

On 11/08/2025 at 13:42, BudMan said:

I am not moving to 11 at this time, even though my PC supports moving to it.  I just don't see anything there that makes it worth the move. My work laptop runs 11, and not like it doesn't work.. Its that my pc works exactly how I want it to work currently - and there is no feature of 11 that says oh yeah that is cool, I need to move to that. Maybe in a year or so that will be different?

But you can move the updates date out another year (2026) for free.. You can use one drive as one free way to get ESU, or my plan just using reward points - this is only 1000 points. Which I got in 2 days by just putting bing app on my phone, and doing some BS searches, and takings some stupid 3 question quizzes, that you don't even have to get right.  You get 500 points just for installing the bing app and doing a search twice in 14 days..  I currently have 1300 some points in 2 days for a few minutes of clicks..  Once I get the esu update, take all of another few seconds to delete the stupid bing app off my phone.

The free ESU option gives me another year to think about do I just move to 11 or maybe linux, etc. 

Bud, that's interesting. I don't ever plan on using One Drive, but the second option sounds interesting. I log in with a local account and not a Microsoft account. Do you know if the points method will require you to login with a Microsoft account to get the extra year? 

[Carlisle R.]

That's right, this time the ESU program is available for end users and very accessible. I use Bing by default, going back to Google when the results aren't good enough, and I agree, getting enough points for that extra year of support is easy. There is also at least one third party patching service too (0patch), but I would prefer the official support if I had to choose.

I don't think Windows 11 will be much different in a year, it has been many years already. I am using 24H2 now and I still notice the difference when things load. My laptop has a 10th gen i7-10510U: Windows Explorer, the right click menu, even Windows Terminal, everything is slower compared to how it was in Windows 10, as if it loads by stages. I suppose they are using desktops so they don't notice it, or maybe they don't care, but I can only imagine how it is with slower machines.

 

On 11/08/2025 at 23:00, Ixion said:

Many exploits don't require you to take any action to get infected. Back in the "good old days" of XP, an unpatched machine would typically get infected within 20 minutes of being connected to the internet. Eventually, the same fate will befall Windows 10.

I am not sure, in the XP days NAT wasn't used and firewalls weren't what they are now, perhaps the same doesn't happen now, but I suppose at some point it could be similar.

 

On 11/08/2025 at 23:05, notta said:

I log in with a local account and not a Microsoft account. Do you know if the points method will require you to login with a Microsoft account to get the extra year? 

I don't think so, but because I am using 11 I don't have a way to test it. I would expect that you need to have the Microsoft account added to the computer, but perhaps it could be another user account, with you using the local one instead as you do now.

[Epaminombas]

This is pure, pointless mass hysteria.

The end of support for Windows 10 22H2 only means it will stop receiving updates and nothing more.

You can still use it without any problems. All your programs will continue to work.

There are still people using Windows 7 and 8.1 who never bothered to upgrade to Windows 10.

If you perform a clean install of Windows 10 22H2 in 2027, Windows Update will still be working and will download all updates already released for Windows 10, and Windows Update will still download drivers for your hardware without any problems.

Common software like Google Chrome, Steam, and Adobe will most likely stop releasing updates for Windows 10 in 2029/2030.

Even today, it's possible to use Office 2013/2016/2019 if you have the ISO and key. You can still download updates released for them, even though they're no longer supported.

And the most bizarre part of this mass hysteria comes from people who've never used Windows Update and Defender. These are people who block Windows Update and Defender as soon as they install Windows 10. These people use programs that block all Microsoft servers from communicating with their Windows 10. And they're complaining about the end of support, even though their Windows 10 is blocked from communicating?

[darkrats]

I am one of those "people" who have never used Windows Update or Defender. I turned both of these off as soon as I installed Windows 10. I've chosen to read about each update and then, if I think it's important, I will download and install it manually (the monthly Security update for example). You're not obligated to download and install everything Microsoft wants you to install. As I mentioned earlier, I have a good antivirus program and a good firewall program. I manually scan my system for malware from time to time, and if there's ever a problem, I just restore the whole disk from a backup image. I don't care if Google Chrome, Steam or Adobe won't update after 2030. I don't use any of their products. I don't get my drivers from Microsoft. I use the ones that come with the hardware. I still see brand new printers that say they work with Windows 7, in the shops. I imagine hardware that works with Windows 10 will be available for many years. Most devices will work a long time if you take care of them. My current LED monitor was purchased in 2015 and still works as if I bought it yesterday.

[+BudMan MVC]

On 11/08/2025 at 16:05, notta said:

ut the second option sounds interesting.

Yeah not a fan of one drive either.  Can not say for sure, since ESU hasn't shown up on my system as of yet.  But be sure to let you know as soon as it does if any small print about using the free options.  At first I was like ok will turn on one drive, get the esu and then turn it off.  But once figured it only took a few minutes to get enough reward points plan is to go that route.  What I have researched is the ESU option will show up sometime before the end of this month.  Some people it seems have gotten the option, etc. but its rolling out in stages.

I also only use a local account to login.. I do believe your MS account has to have admin account permissions on your machine - but I can not find anything saying you have to be using it.  My plan once get esu is to once again change that ms account to normal user and prevent login with it.

Also there is also just not update, doesn't mean it stops working, etc. So that is also an option - but if I can extend security updates for another year for free.  Why not, some users machines are not capable of upgrading to 11, I am not one of those - my machine could easy run 11.  Its just I don't want to at this time.  As said before - there just doesn't seem to be any compelling reasons to move to it.  Maybe I am missing something?? But seems more like they just moved ###### around to me, for zero advantage from a users point of view.

From a 20k foot overview you still just click icons to start software, etc. But I fiddle with way more stuff on my personal machine than I do my work laptop.  I know exactly where everything is on my 10 machine - why should I change that for no benefit that I can see.  If I was going to change it - I would just move to linux and be rid of windows for good, other than my work laptop that is.

But if there is a simple, free way to keep my windows 10 for now and extend security updates - why not.

[+InsaneNutter MVC]

I think short term providing you are behind some sort of firewall and use a web browser still receiving updates you will be fine on Windows 10, as Budman has described you can quite easily get security updates for another year.

I've actually used Win 11 for a while now, mainly as I wanted to be familiar with it before deploying it at work. With a few tweaks it basically runs like Win 10. The main annoyance I find is the start menu is one obnoxious size. You can however get rid of the recommendations section now with this registry tweak here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows11/comments/1jewouy/simple_way_to_hide_recommended_start_menu_section/ - that was another thing that bugged me.

Despite currently using Win 11 I'm still actually still thinking of moving over to Linux. I personally don't like how Windows uploads an increasingly amount of telemetry, Edge is constantly profiling you, the whole idea of Windows Recall, Ai scanning files in OneDrive and so on. I know can limit a lot of this, however I shouldn't have to constantly wonder what my PC is doing or not doing. Its actually got to the point where it bothers me now and privacy is on the agenda.

 

[Nick H. Supervisor]

On 10/08/2025 at 12:33, Carlisle R. said:

Thinking about phones, Android devices because I don't have an iPhone, many of my friends and family are using phones that have stopped receiving security updates years ago, and they couldn't care less. My parents for example, they were born in '58 and '60, so they aren't too old, but they aren't really interested in technology. Any update that changes things becomes a problem, so the lack of updates is actually a blessing for them.

Whether it is them or my friends, they get apps from the Play Store and it keeps them updated, so the security of the OS itself doesn't register for them. Some even have devices that were already in that state during the pandemic!

I would argue that an unsupported mobile OS is just as bad as an unsupported computer OS.

At the end of the day, it's about security. No system is 100% secure, but if the developer gets notified of an issue they are going to patch it. If the OS is unsupported it won't receive that patch to prevent that attack.

The reason that Windows 10's end of support is "a big deal" is because it is a widely used OS at home and in the workplace. There were similar articles when Windows 7 was getting to EOL.

 

On 12/08/2025 at 09:33, InsaneNutter said:

Despite currently using Win 11 I'm still actually still thinking of moving over to Linux. I personally don't like how Windows uploads an increasingly amount of telemetry, Edge is constantly profiling you, the whole idea of Windows Recall, Ai scanning files in OneDrive and so on. I know can limit a lot of this, however I shouldn't have to constantly wonder what my PC is doing or not doing. Its actually got to the point where it bothers me now and privacy is on the agenda.

I try and avoid using Windows for the same reason. I need to keep my Windows installation clean for troubleshooting so I can't hack away at it. And my level of trust in Microsoft means that even if I did hack things out, I cannot guarantee that with a new update they won't re-enable the various options that I've taken the time to disable. Which would mean that every time there is an update I need to go and check everything again.

I'm going to be installing Linux Mint for my mother next month. It's a solid system that anyone can understand coming from Windows. I'm running Kubuntu myself because I like the added customization options.

[Carlisle R.]

On 12/08/2025 at 01:37, darkrats said:

I manually scan my system for malware from time to time, and if there's ever a problem, I just restore the whole disk from a backup image.

I also run a full scan from time to time, although I rather have the antimalware program catch things before they are triggered. I have been lucky so far as I don't remember when the last time I had a malware infection was, hopefully I haven't been infected without noticing, but the way things are, "if there is ever a problem" I feel it would already be too late, with whatever valuable there was already exfiltrated.

 

On 12/08/2025 at 11:17, Nick H. said:

I would argue that an unsupported mobile OS is just as bad as an unsupported computer OS.

I agree, and there is no easy way to replace the OS and still keep access to all apps I think, but my acquaintances and friends seem not to care about it at all. They seem happy as long as they have the apps they want. Most of them are also not the kind that changes phones every year or two, flashy new things don't interest them. They don't interest me much either, but if I can help it I'd rather use a phone that is supported, these days I buy my phones with that in mine.

I thought of giving Linux a try too, for my parents it would need to be something very close to what Windows is or used to be, interface-wise at least, with minimal changes. Even if they only really use Chrome, a picture viewer, maybe Word every now and then, if anything changes they don't know what to do anymore. Maybe one of these days I look for a distribution and see how it works, I have been using Windows all my life. 

[Nick H. Supervisor]

On 12/08/2025 at 12:46, Carlisle R. said:

I agree, and there is no easy way to replace the OS and still keep access to all apps I think, but my acquaintances and friends seem not to care about it at all. They seem happy as long as they have the apps they want. Most of them are also not the kind that changes phones every year or two, flashy new things don't interest them. They don't interest me much either, but if I can help it I'd rather use a phone that is supported, these days I buy my phones with that in mine.

I thought of giving Linux a try too, for my parents it would need to be something very close to what Windows is or used to be, interface-wise at least, with minimal changes. Even if they only really use Chrome, a picture viewer, maybe Word every now and then, if anything changes they don't know what to do anymore. Maybe one of these days I look for a distribution and see how it works, I have been using Windows all my life. 

I had my S20+ until a couple of months ago, and the main reason for switching was due to the battery life. You're right, I never really cared about security updates. I seem to remember that I was still getting them, though...

As for Linux, as I said I highly recommend giving Linux Mint a go. The great thing about most distrobutions (Mint included) is that you can put them on a USB key and boot from there rather than installing directly on the computer. That gives you a chance to have a play around and see if you like it without wiping the computer.

[+BudMan MVC]

Ok a bit odd.. But finally got ESU enabled - but didn't even get charged the 1000 points.. It never even asked..

So was curious why still wasn't seeing the option.. So just playing around reading stuff and found this.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5512112/my-windows-10-esu-enrollment-message-disappeared-h?page=1

Talks about enabling a service diagtrack which is the Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP), which I had disabled.. But like what the hell lets give it a go.. So enabled it and some time later I checked windows update and saw this.

Couple clicks and bam says enrolled

What is odd is while I have ms account on my machine, not using it. Using local account. I am not using onedrive.. And it never asked me how to pay for esu.. I have since removed the ms account from my pc.. Have also disabled that service, So lets see what it shows in the next couple of days.. But currently shows I am enrolled.

 

 

[Nick H. Supervisor]

On 26/08/2025 at 14:40, BudMan said:

Ok a bit odd.. But finally got ESU enabled - but didn't even get charged the 1000 points.. It never even asked..

So was curious why still wasn't seeing the option.. So just playing around reading stuff and found this.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5512112/my-windows-10-esu-enrollment-message-disappeared-h?page=1

Talks about enabling a service diagtrack which is the Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP), which I had disabled.. But like what the hell lets give it a go.. So enabled it and some time later I checked windows update and saw this.

Looks like Microsoft didn't like this suggestion, the link takes me to a page that says the contents was removed for violating the terms of service...

I'll get my test laptop back from my friend when I can and give this a go though, see what happens.

[winrez]

As a long time Windows user, I really don't like the direction Microsoft is headed with Windows 11 so earlier this year I started to try out a ton of distros and as Nick H. said Linux Mint is easily the winner for setup and migration from being a Windows user. here are some things I have noticed that makes this distro great;

1)  All of my hardware worked out of the box including everything from Nvidia drivers to my USB Bluetooth 

2) You can download a native version of Edge from Microsoft's website and sign in with your previous Windows account and as long as you used Edge before as your browser everything syncs password, favorites ect.

3) .deb package installers are super convenient allowing for installing software that is not in the Software Manager do be installed by double clicking it in the UI instead of having using to use the terminal.  (Similar to using a Windows Setup program vs installing via a command prompt in Windows) 

4) Steams compatibility tool has been the MVP in the switch for myself World of Warcraft was the only major thing for years that has kept me from switching completely (Other compatibility tools have all failed installing Retail Warcraft or it would fail after new Battle.net updates) so now for any of my legacy Windows software by in Steam choosing "Add a Game" then browse for the windows .exe then after its added clicking on the game in steam and under each games setting choosing the option "Force the use of a specific Steam game compatibility tool" The default option that shows up usually works if not choose the next one down on the list. This works for any App such as Microsoft Office.

 I do recommend learning to use Terminal commands as with any PC problems eventually arise and understanding what commands do (even a basic knowledge) can greatly improve your experience and any troubleshooting.

I have been playing around with Linux since purchasing a copy of Red Hat way back when Microsoft still sold boxed copy's of Internet Explorer in stores.

[Nick H. Supervisor]

On 27/08/2025 at 11:02, winrez said:

I do recommend learning to use Terminal commands as with any PC problems eventually arise and understanding what commands do (even a basic knowledge) can greatly improve your experience and any troubleshooting.

I have been playing around with Linux since purchasing a copy of Red Hat way back when Microsoft still sold boxed copy's of Internet Explorer in stores.

Yeah, the Terminal isn't necessary for most people much like the Command Prompt isn't. But there are a few commands that I still run because it's quicker...and I'm a geek and I think it looks cool.

NordVPN has a GUI interface now, but I still go through the Terminal. I went to connect to it the other day in my pub and a member of staff - a friend as well - said, "hey Nick! You can't be hacking down at the pub!" It was a joke, but it's true that some people see lines of text in the Terminal and get scared about what you're doing. It's fun!

EDIT: Oh, and you can get cmatrix as well to have some fun...

[MountjoyStu]

It's almost the SAME argument as we had in 2014, about XP - could you run XP now, yes, should you, no, for one thing, the Security Certificates that come STANDARD in XP are out of date NOW in 2025...let that sink in...if you want "horse and cart" computing, watch out for the larger potholes in the road, it will derail you!

[AnotherITguy]

As much as I dislike Windows 11, I am running it,  just hoping for a new version of Windows sometime soon. Something that is as light as Windows 7. But then again, I know that's never going to happen. 

[+BudMan MVC]

On 27/08/2025 at 04:18, Nick H. said:

Looks like Microsoft didn't like this suggestion, the link takes me to a page that says the contents was removed for violating the terms of service...

I'll get my test laptop back from my friend when I can and give this a go though, see what happens.

That is weird.. Yeah I show it gone too now..  hmmm, guess I should of saved off the info.. But with my ms account removed from the machine and that service disabled again I still show my machine has been enrolled.

In a nutshell is showed how to set the service to auto and start it from cmd line. There was a reg key that it added as well, but I do not recall what it was.. 

edit: ok found that archived.. Here is the reg that was added

reg.exe add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Policies\Microsoft\FeatureManagement\Overrides" /v 4011992206 /t REG_DWORD /d 2 /f

Here is the link to the archive of that thread

https://web.archive.org/web/20250823111717/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5512112/my-windows-10-esu-enrollment-message-disappeared-h

[Epaminombas]

[+BudMan MVC]

And how does that have anything to do with this thread? You post in the wrong thread?