Windows 10’s end of life looms. A security pro dissects your only options

This fall, Windows 10 will reach its end of life—at least, as defined by Microsoft. On October 14, the company ends feature updates to the operating system. Security and stability updates also become restricted—a potential liability, depending on the choices you make now.

To help users successfully navigate Windows 10’s extinction event, Adam Patrick Murray sat down with ethical hacker Mike Danseglio to talk options. The goal: To find the best option for your PC to stay current with security updates and patches, no matter the age of your hardware. AI tools have increased the speed and volume of online attacks, with vulnerabilities more easily discovered and exploited.

The duo frames the possibilities as a decision tree, with two main branches: PCs compatible with Windows 11, and those that aren’t. For systems ready for Windows 11, Mike simply recommends upgrading—and making the jump before the October sunset. I echo this advice, as doing it well before the deadline ensures your PC will keep receiving uninterrupted security patches.

(Not sure if your PC’s compatible? If it has an Intel 8th-gen or Ryzen 2000 chip, you’re probably fine. Windows Update—or a Microsoft nag screen—will tell you.)

If your Windows 10 computer is too old to upgrade to Windows 11, you can choose between five different potential paths—but only three are smart choices, according to Mike: 

• Do nothing
• Buy a new device
• Pay for updates
• Modify your Windows install
• Install another OS

Doing nothing leaves you open to vulnerabilities in Windows 10, which attackers will unearth as time passes. Exploits could then allow hackers to run code on your PC, steal your data, or even potentially remotely render your hardware unusable.

Buying a new device solves your security problems easily—the new computer will have Windows 11 installed. It does leave your existing system behind, though. It’s not particularly cheap, either. Even opting for an affordable mini-PC as the replacement costs a few hundred bucks.

IDG

Similarly, forking over $30 for a year of additional security updates buys you time. (And you can also “pay” for the extension in other ways than cold hard cash.) However, this path only puts off the inevitable.

Mike has strong but simple feelings about forcing Windows 11 onto incompatible hardware or using third-party Windows 10 security patches. His take? “Hard no.”

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Much better, if you want to mess with software? Install another OS altogether. It’s the year of Linux, after all. And if your device has full support, ChromeOS Flex can be a far less complex alternative that will turn your old laptop into a Chromebook.

Be sure to check out the video above for the full discussion on your options—Mike explains why each is wise (or not). I learned a few things just from listening to him explain the nuances of online security in clear, easy terms.

For more security tips and explainers (including more great advice from Mike), subscribe to PCWorld on YouTube. Like discussions about PCs and PC hardware? Check out our weekly podcast The Full Nerd, too.