Can’t Upgrade? Different Ways to Keep Your Windows 10 PC Secure

In October 2025, support for Windows 10 officially ended. While many people have moved on to Windows 11, that’s not the case for everyone. Some users are unable or uninterested in making the upgrade and will remain with Windows 10 for the foreseeable future. If that’s the case for you, you may need to take some extra steps to maintain Windows 10 security after EOL (end of life).

Understanding Windows 10 Security After EOL

Before looking at how to secure your Windows 10 device following EOL, it’s important to understand why this matters.

In short, when support for Windows 10 stopped in October 2025, that meant that any devices still running Windows 10 no longer receive updates. System updates often include bug fixes and security improvements, aimed at addressing vulnerabilities or closing off entry points that cybercriminals could exploit to break into your system and steal your data.

Without those updates, therefore, a Windows 10 PC or laptop could, over time, become an easier target for hackers and malware developers. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Even without system updates from Microsoft, there are still several ways you can keep your device’s security up to a high level and protect your data.

5 Ways to Maintain Windows 10 Security After EOL

Here are five methods you can consider to ensure your Windows 10 device remains safe to use now that official support for the OS has ended.

Use a Trusted Third-Party Antivirus

Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Windows 10’s built-in antivirus system, will continue to receive security intelligence updates until at least October 2028. That means it will become less effective over time and incapable of dealing with emerging threats. Windows 10 users, therefore, need to invest in a trusted third-party antivirus, with popular and highly-rated options being BitDefender, Norton, and Aura.

Consider an Alternative OS

While you may not be able to upgrade to Windows 11, that doesn’t mean you have to stick with Windows 10 as your operating system. You could, for example, make the transition to Linux, choosing one of the many reliable Linux distros, like Mint or Ubuntu, to improve your device’s security, privacy, and even its overall efficiency.

Keep Web Browsers and Other Apps Updated

Your operating system may no longer receive updates, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still download and install updates for the apps you use. Make sure to update all of your most-used applications on a regular basis, like your web browser, as hackers can sometimes find vulnerabilities in these apps to target their victims.

Use Secure Apps and Tools

To improve your device’s security, consider investing in more secure apps and tools. You might want to switch to a more secure browser, like Brave, for example, or transition to a secure email client for extra protection for your messages. You can also invest in other security solutions, like a virtual private network (VPN), a password manager, and a router firewall.

Be Extra Cautious When Browsing or Downloading

It’s always important to exercise caution when using the internet, being careful about which links you click, which sites you visit, and which files you download. On a Windows 10 device that no longer has antivirus updates and continuous support, this is extra important. Avoid sites that seem suspicious and only download and install new apps from official, trusted sources.