Use Windows 10? New lifeline saves you from switching to Windows 11 or paying Microsoft for critical updates Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 — its most popular desktop operating system — worldwide in October 2025, leaving millions of PCs without bug fixes and software updates. Using an operating system that's no longer supported carries huge risks as security flaws known to cybercriminals will never be fixed, leaving your personal information, photos and videos, and payment information permanently exposed. Any glitches that cause compatibility problems with your kit will also be permanent fixtures.
Until now, if you rely on Windows 10, you've only had three options available — switch to Windows 11 via a free software upgrade ...provided your machine meets the strict minimum hardware requirements; subscribe to Extended Security Updates (ESU) from Microsoft for $432,90 - £337 to unlock an additional three years of updates; switch to a rival operating system, like one provided by Google for free.
A new option is now available to millions of Windows 10 users.
0patch, a popular third-party service that offers security updates and bug fixes, has confirmed plans to support Windows 10 for at least five years after the official end-of-support deadline — allowing PC owners to continue relying on the operating system until the 2030s without concern.
The security company — pronounced "zero patch" — has a well-earned reputation for fixing security vulnerabilities on now-unsupported gadgets. 0patch still offers regular security updates for Windows 7, which was dropped by Microsoft back in January 2020.
By switching over to support from 0patch, Windows 10 will start to receive fixes for critical security vulnerabilities discovered after October 14, 2025 — the date when the operating system will enjoy its final free update from the teams at Microsoft.
These patches are minuscule instructions for the CPU that are injected by running processes in your PC's memory. This is a different approach to what you'll have come to expect from updates issued by Microsoft, but it allows 0patch to quickly resolve any issues without touching the original binaries or restarts. 0patch says this approach allows them to quickly undo any changes too.
Like Microsoft's own ESU subscription, 0patch is a paid-for service.
However, there are advantages to choosing 0patch over Microsoft's own support subscription. First up, 0patch is promising at least five years of regular patches and updates ...whereas Microsoft will curtail its own paid-for security support after 36 months. Next, 0patch is an annual subscription that costs $27 - €24.95 (roughly £21, converted) per computer for individuals and small businesses. The enterprise tier for medium and large businesses costs a little more at
$37,85 - €34.95 (some £29.50) per device.
Via Google, Pic Google
