Is It Really EOL For Win 10?
[October 2025] Earlier this month, Microsoft declared the “End of Life” for Windows 10. However, in some ways, the reports of Windows 10’s death are a bit premature.
Windows 10 was supposed to be the “final” version of Windows.
Unfortunately, as with many things in the digital world, newer CPUs and software features – not to mention profit motives – can lead companies to change course in ways not anticipated. After 10 years (Windows 10 debuted in July 2015) and hundreds of patches – including 14 major updates – the OS is clearly more resilient to malware and other problems than at launch.
But at the same time, exploits have posed ever greater dangers, fed by companies that would pay hackers rather than fortify their systems.
Microsoft developed a primary security mechanism: the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), now in version 2.0. Among other things, the TPM is essentially a secure cryptoprocessor that verifies the boot process starts from a trusted combination of hardware and software, and stores disk encryption keys by implementing the ISO/IEC 11889 standard. Perhaps this is a bit of technobabble, but in effect, Windows 11 is more secure than Windows 10.
The problem for most users is that if your computer is more than a few years old, it will tell you it cannot load Windows 11—at least not in the usual “authorized” way. Furthermore, for the past six months or more, you could read in many places that Windows 10 was soon to be dead and that you needed to upgrade.
Fortunately, that is not the end of the story.
NOT QUITE AN EX-PARROT
Bottom line: it really does not mean you have to stop using it and buy a Windows 11 computer right now.
Why should you need to spend money and end up with a new system and software to learn, perhaps having to do things differently, which could slow you down, especially if a feature you use a lot has been deleted from the newer OS?
What are the alternatives? Let us take a moment to reflect on the status of your computer compared to the latest models—and the software in use. You will find that, with reasonable care —just like maintaining a well-running older car —you can keep your Windows 10 system running for a while—and you do not even have to use the MS Extended Support program.
Furthermore, you do not have to use one of the published hacks to install Windows 11 on your computer. Yes, it can be done. But, in many cases, you will now have a system that runs so slowly you may feel that it is not worth the effort. Keeping Windows 10 on such systems is really the best plan.
You are allowed to breathe a sigh of relief.
DIGITAL HYGIENE
The key to keeping your Windows 10 machine running depends on two things: the software you use and the attention you pay to avoiding malware.
True, Windows 10 will no longer receive official updates, security patches, or bug fixes. But did your usage change? For example, if the machine is in a closed (air-gapped from any network) environment and you are happy with your software, there is little danger in continuing just as you have been operating.
For example, do you use automation or production software that you feel comfortable with? With proper precautions, you should be OK. The point is to be very observant about what you put into those systems. Even if it is 10 years old, the old refrain is true: “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Of course, to stay safe requires what might be called digital hygiene. Look at it this way: If you are running well, anything you add to the system needs to be clean. Avoid uploading anything except verified software to fix a problem. Definitely avoid downloads, material from unfamiliar links, or – horrors! – pirated software. Analyze why you need to add anything to the system. Definitely limit who can make any changes.
With proper protocols, Windows 10 can still serve you for at least a few additional years.
CONNECTED SYSTEMS
The risk of danger increases as your machine interacts with others.
Most systems do need to be hooked to a network – and maybe the Internet. This is where a good firewall and current anti-virus apps will provide basic protection. Nevertheless, PEBCAK can quickly derail the most careful protocols.
Yes, PEBCAK. That is when the “problem exists between the chair and the keyboard.” All it takes is one person to click on an email attachment or a bad web page to infect their computer. That applies to Windows 11 as it does to Windows 10. And from there, they can infect an entire network – from viruses to ransomware. It has been noted that a careless user on any machine is a risk.
Thus, for those machines, a good backup—or full image—should be made regularly and then disconnected from the machine. The latest solid-state drives are perfect for this. One-terabyte drives are commonly available for around $100. Did I say “then disconnect” it from the machine?
Here, paying closer attention to updates for the security system and any installed software is a good idea. Software companies do add features, bug fixes, patches, and other protections. Each should be evaluated as to what it affects before installation.
NO NEED TO GIVE UP
As you can see, even as Windows 10 fades into the computer sunset, it can still serve you well.
The OS is perfectly usable and generally stable. And it is not just Windows 10. Earlier versions of Windows are still in use in some places, sometimes just for a specific app, site security, or Internet connection. Worrying about the OS is not the top priority.
All you have to do is consider each use and user, and vigilantly strive to ensure all are proactive about not becoming a PEBCAK.
ONE MORE THING
Oh, yes… one more thing.
We used the term digital hygiene earlier. But what about the physical state of your computer? Have you opened it recently to ensure that there is no dust/dirt buildup on the components or the exhaust fan(s)? What about the battery (that keeps the settings in memory in case of a power outage)?
The more we pay attention to these essential tools – our computers – the more they will serve us well in all we do. – BDR
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