Tech Talk: Windows 10 - Between A Rock And A Hard Spot
 | Author:
Victor Sample
Vic Sample: MT43 News Treasurer |
Windows 10 - Between A Rock And A Hard Spot
Victor Sample
Microsoft has officially announced the end of support for Windows 10 – October 2025. What does that actually mean? Will your PC running Windows 10 stop running?
Your PC running Windows 10 will continue to work just like it was before October 2025.
The Microsoft announcement means that you will no longer get fixes to Windows 10. Unless you are experiencing some kind of problem with Windows 10 that probably isn’t a real concern – especially since it seems like every time Microsoft updates Windows 10 or Windows 11 they cause more problems. AND your PC probably seems like it is always updating – which does disrupt your time.
The real problem is that Microsoft will also be ending Security Updates for Windows 10. If you are concerned about security on your PC, then it is a concern. I have repeatedly warned against clicking on any links in emails or texts unless you are absolutely certain they are safe. The same thing is true with downloading anything from the internet; if you aren’t certain it’s safe, don’t download it.
But we are all human. Sometimes we click on that link; sometimes we go to websites we aren’t familiar with and click on links or download files. I am always (almost) vigilant; but sometimes if I am distracted, not paying full attention and I have clicked on something that I knew right away was a mistake – and I installed malware. And it is always a chore to get rid of the malware.
In the past, I have also advised that the Windows Defender (which comes with Windows and is free) is as good or better than the ones you pay for McAfee, Norton, Kaspersky, etc.
However, when Microsoft drops support for Windows 10 you will be left vulnerable.
You have several options:
• Upgrade to Windows 11
• Change to another operating system (Linux, ChromeOS, MacOS)
• Continue to use the paid security McAfee, Norton, Kaspersky; or start paying to use them
• Pay Microsoft for Extended Service after the official support ends for Windows 10
• Take your chances
If you are using the paid security software like McAfee you do have some level of support. They can detect malware that gets installed and remove it – sometimes.
The real problem is that McAfee, Norton, Kaspersky can’t actually fix the vulnerabilities in Windows – the parts of the system that malware writers exploit to install malware. Most of the time, Microsoft fixes those problems BEFORE you even get exposed.
Upgrading to Windows 11 is free and easy --- if you have the hardware required to run Windows 11. In their infinite wisdom, Microsoft decided to require specific hardware to run Windows 11. If you have a relatively new PC (the last 4-5 years) you probably have the required hardware and can upgrade and go on as you have. For most people, new icons are really all the difference you will see.
But if your PC doesn’t have the required hardware you cannot upgrade to Windows 11 – and now you are between a rock and a hard spot.
You can move to another operating system like Linux or ChromeOS; but that is not for the faint of heart.
You can pay for the Extended Service; Microsoft has not announced pricing and it’s likely to be an inconvenience.
You can opt for partial security by paying for McAfee, etc.
You take your chances.
You buy a new PC (maybe a used one) that has Windows 11 already installed.
At some point, you will have to move from Windows 10. Over time more and more software, websites, etc. will become incompatible with Windows 10.
Fortunately, you do have almost 2 years to decide what you want to do; but don’t dawdle. That time flies quickly.
