Windows 10 Updates Have Stoppes – If you are reading this on a Windows 10 machine, you are officially in the “Red Zone.”
As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft has officially pulled the plug on Windows 10 support. For a decade, this operating system was the backbone of personal computing, but as we close out 2025, using it has shifted from “standard practice” to “security risk.”
We have tested the current state of Windows 10 post-deadline to answer the big question: Is it safe to keep using it, or do you need to pay up?
The Reality: What “End of Support” Actually Looks Like
Contrary to popular belief, your computer didn’t explode on October 15th. However, the silence from Microsoft is deafening.
- No More Patches: The “Patch Tuesday” updates you used to ignore? They are gone. Any new virus or hack discovered today will not be fixed by Microsoft for free.
- No Technical Support: If your system crashes, Microsoft support will simply tell you to upgrade.
- Software Decay: We are already seeing major banking apps and newer versions of Adobe Creative Cloud flagging Windows 10 as “unsupported,” meaning they may stop working correctly soon.
The 3 Risks of Staying on Windows 10 Now
1. The “Zero-Day” Threat
Hackers hoard vulnerabilities specifically for after the support date. If a hacker finds a hole in Windows 10 today, Microsoft is under no obligation to patch it for the general public. Your PC is essentially an open house with the locks removed.
2. Banking and Identity Theft
We strongly advise against performing online banking or accessing sensitive healthcare portals on a Windows 10 machine that hasn’t received the November or December 2025 security patches. The risk of keyloggers (malware that records your typing) is significantly higher now. If you are using your system as banking, finance and any other that hackers can stole, It is recommed to make sure your windows 10 updates must active and scan your PC regularly.
3. Hardware Incompatibility
New printers, webcams, or graphics cards released in late 2025 are shipping with drivers optimized only for Windows 11 and the upcoming Windows 12.
The $30 Lifeline: Extended Security Updates (ESU)
If you absolutely cannot buy a new PC right now, Microsoft has thrown users a temporary lifeline—but it will cost you.
For the first time ever, Microsoft is allowing consumers (not just businesses) to buy Extended Security Updates (ESU).
- Cost: ~$30 USD (varies by region) for a 1-year license.
- What You Get: Critical security patches only. No new features, no cosmetic updates.
- The Catch: This is a subscription, not a permanent fix. It only buys you time until October 2026.
How to Activate It: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation. If your PC is eligible, you will see a “Purchase ESU” option. Note: You need a Microsoft Account to complete this purchase.
| Option | Cost | Security Level | Difficulty |
| Upgrade to Win 11 | Free | High | Medium |
| Buy ESU Updates | ~$30/yr | High (Temporary) | Low |
| Stay on Win 10 | Free | Critical Risk | None |
| Switch to Linux | Free | High | High |
Expert Tip: If you must keep a Windows 10 machine running for offline software (like old accounting programs or games), disconnect it from the internet. If it’s offline, it can’t be hacked remotely. Use a USB drive to transfer files if absolutely necessary. Also have a look to microsoft official note about windows 10 updates.
The Verdict: Your Next Move
Option A: The Free Upgrade (If You’re Lucky)
Run the PC Health Check app. If your processor is from 2018 or later (Intel 8th Gen or Ryzen 2000), you can likely still upgrade to Windows 11 for free. Do this immediately.
Option B: The “Forced” Upgrade (New Hardware)
If your PC is older than 6-7 years, it likely doesn’t support Windows 11.
- Expert Advice: Don’t try to bypass the Windows 11 requirements using registry hacks. In this post-support era, hacked installations often miss critical security updates, defeating the purpose of upgrading. It is time to budget for a new laptop.
Option C: The “Linux” Pivot
If you have an old perfectly good laptop that is just “unsupported,” consider installing Linux Mint or Ubuntu. They are free, secure, and support modern web browsers like Chrome and Firefox perfectly. It effectively turns an “unsafe” Windows 10 updates machine into a secure daily driver.