Introduction:
Windows 10 is nearing end of life, what now?
Well up until recently the options were very limited, you would need to upgrade to Windows 11 or fail to receive security updates. We will run through the options here for you, without too much filler.
Date: October 2025
Other issue:
Not all computers are going to be able to support Windows 11, this means that you may need to purchase a new laptop/computer to be able to stay secure in your online life (unless you are willing to learn Linux).
Solution:
Well, technically there are several options, however I will focus on the most useful one for people who are not ready to shell out a lot of money for a new computer.
While you still have over a year before this becomes an issue, planning ahead will certainly help you avoid the pitfalls of forgetting.
0Patch:
These guys provide a service (for a fee) where they will provide the security updates you need to stay safe online.
They will provide 5 years' worth of patches, without the need to restart each time. They may also extend this further as they are doing with Windows 7, but there are no guarantees of that!
Current fee (as of 02/07/2024) directly from the linked article below:
Our current yearly price for 0patch PRO is 24.95 EUR + tax per computer, and for 0patch Enterprise 34.95 EUR + tax per computer. Active subscriptions will keep these prices for two more years in case of pricing changes.
Original article: 0patch Blog: Long Live Windows 10... With 0patch
So this seems to be the most economical option for those who are happy with their computer and don't feel a need to upgrade, you can easily extend your computers life for a minimal fee.
There is a free option which provides 0-day security patches, but not the more standard security updates. I would recommend paying for the full version as there are more threats out there than just the 0-day vulnerabilities, you don't lock one door when you leave the house and then leave the back door and all windows wide open! So don't do the same with your computer!
New Computer:
There is a good chance that your computer will be suitable to upgrade to windows 11, however if yours can't then your next option to consider is that you would want to buy a computer that supports windows 11. This is obviously a personal choice, but is likely to be the only option for the general user.
Upgrade to Windows 11:
If your computer can update to Windows 11, then you can simply apply the upgrade and continue on as per normal.
Learn Linux:
If you do not want to upgrade to Windows 11, buy a new computer or pay for patching but still want to use your laptop - then your best bet may be to look at Linux as your operating system. This should not be done lightly as it can be a bit complicated (and is well beyond the scope of this article) and has many varieties, yet this can keep old computers running for longer as well as faster than they did with Windows!
A couple of places to start on this are linked below, these are two simple Linux Distros that you may want to start with, there are many more out there!
Conclusion:
While you have time before this becomes an issue, it is recommended that you plan ahead so you don't get caught out.
The recommended option for those on a budget would be to go for the 0Patch option as it requires a very small fee and is not time intensive (Linux may be free, but may be time intensive and if you don't back up your files- you risk losing them).
Hopefully this brief article was helpful and not too full of filler! We try to provide information and context without overloading you with information you don't need to know!
Check back for more!
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