Is It Still Safe to Use Windows 10 Without Extended Support? 🤔

With Microsoft ending support for Windows 10, many of us are wondering if it’s still safe to use our PCs without paying for extended support. It’s a valid concern, especially since an unsupported operating system becomes more vulnerable to security threats. But there’s a good chance you might still be okay, at least for a while.

Microsoft will stop providing regular security updates after October 14, 2025. However, if a critical security flaw were to appear soon after this date, Microsoft would likely release a free fix to avoid bad publicity. This has happened before. So, while you shouldn’t be complacent, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for any emergency patches they might release.

🛠️ What About Your Other Software?

It’s not just the operating system you have to worry about. Microsoft will also stop adding new features to 365 Office apps on Windows 10 in August 2026. This is part of a series of U-turns by Microsoft to ease the transition away from Windows 10, but it still means your software will become outdated over time.

However, companies like Google are still supporting Windows 10. Google has even started checking whether PCs are compatible with Windows 11 to decide how long to support Chrome on Windows 10. With millions of people still using Windows 10, it’s unlikely Google will scrap support anytime soon. This is good news for you, as it means you can continue to use a modern and secure browser for your online activities.

💻 What About Your Old Laptop?

If you have an old Windows 10 laptop that you want to keep using for simple tasks, such as watching videos on your TV, you can. However, the key is to ensure you don’t use it for sensitive online activities like banking or online shopping after support ends, unless you have paid for the ESU program or you’re keeping a close eye on security announcements. For these kinds of tasks, a newer, supported device is always the safest bet.

• Microsoft to stop adding new 365 tools for Windows 10 in 2026. Computeractive – Issue 715, 30 July-12 August 2025.

• Chrome now checks whether your PC can run Windows 11. Computeractive – Issue 715, 30 July-12 August 2025.

• Will It Be Safe to Use a Windows 10 Laptop with My TV? Computeractive – Issue 715, 30 July-12 August 2025.

• The Problem with Windows 10. Computeractive – Issue 715, 30 July-12 August 2025.

• Microsoft extending Windows 10 support is a ‘blatant trick’. Computeractive – Issue 715, 30 July-12 August 2025.

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