Microsoft will officially end its standard support program for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. At which point, you might think you're out of luck if you want or need to keep running Windows 10 while keeping it secure, right?
Actually, no. Security outfit 0patch (via Neowin) says it’s going to effectively extend Windows 10’s lifespan by at least five years with its own security updates. What’s more, unlike Microsoft’s Windows Update service, which is famously intrusive, usually requires rebooting, and can eat up a lot of time, 0patch says it takes a totally different approach.
Extended Security Updates for Windows 10
The Extended Security Updates service for Windows 10 kicks in immediately upon the end of Microsoft’s standard support program for Windows 10. This means that even after the official support ends, users can still maintain the security of their systems without needing to upgrade to a newer version of Windows.
What’s not known for now is how much the Microsoft Extended Security Updates service costs. Meanwhile, 0patch charges 24.95 EUR (approximately $29) for an annual subscription. This offers a cost-effective solution for those who wish to keep their systems secure without the hassle of frequent reboots and intrusive updates.
It’s pretty hard to judge comparative effectiveness for this kind of product, especially as Microsoft’s service doesn’t begin for over a year. But we certainly like the sound of 0patch’s lightweight approach that doesn’t require reboots. Its five-year commitment also beats the three-year limit on Microsoft’s paid service.
Either way, it’s good to know that you have at least two options for keeping a Windows 10 box running a while longer after the standard security net is pulled away.
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