r/windows • u/cerealKiller777777 Windows 10 • 7d ago
Discussion Is Windows 10 still pretty safe to use?
I dont want to move to Windows 11 cuz of obvious reasons of it being shitty, Latest Windows 10 runs fine on my system and i use Microsoft Edge as my browser. Is it still safe to use this?
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u/Froggypwns Windows Wizard / Moderator 4d ago
As long as you have enrolled in the extended support, yes.
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u/Existing_Routine_599 3d ago
Yeah that's what many don't seem to understand, just enroll and your good
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u/Unhappy_Boat9645 2d ago
However, minors cannot register, and that is exactly me. I'm 16 years old this year 🤣
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u/the_harakiwi 1d ago
You can unlock the whole thing using the site that sounds like a mass of graves
I had one machine, always been in the EU and has a Microsoft account linked for over 8 years, it wouldn't show me the options.
Used the script to enabled the 3-6 years of updates. I wouldn't want to use a Win 10 machine for work or daily banking stuff. My parents both will use their PCs on Win 10 until they have to upgrade to a new machine or I install Linux to extend their security updates. 90% of what they do is using a browser and certificates to log in to their work, bank and insurance sites. No need for a Microsoft OS.
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u/Crazyd_z 1d ago
Thank god someone finally answered this post correctly.
Windows 10 still gets security updates if you login into windows account and enroll in extended security support. Microsoft quietly extended that support for another year to October 2027 and it will more than likely be supported with security updates till Windows 12 is released. Just like every other version of Windows since XP.
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u/Unhappy_Boat9645 3d ago edited 3d ago
You can still use most modern browsers, games, software, and apps. However, keep in mind that standard support for Windows 10 ended in October 2025 (with only ESU support currently available), and Nvidia plans to stop releasing Windows 10 drivers this month. While it remains viable for now, you should consider upgrading to Windows 11 once Nvidia ceases driver support—especially if your system meets the Windows 11 requirements (Intel 8th Gen or Ryzen 2000 series). Of course, opinions on Windows 11 are still divided, so it is best to make your decision based on your specific situation
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u/FarVehicle533 2d ago
I use Nvidia gtx 1080. Should I even consider investing for windows 11? The processor isn't even on the minimum requirement for windows 11.
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u/Unhappy_Boat9645 2d ago
NVIDIA is scheduled to discontinue support for Windows 10 drivers starting this month. Effectively, this is when you should start considering upgrading to Windows 11. however, at least in my opinion, if you are using an Intel 8th generation or Ryzen 2000 series or lower, it might be better to stick with Windows 10 if possible, although it is possible to install Windows 11 through a workaround
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u/FarVehicle533 2d ago
I have an i5-7500. While I did try to install windows 11 through workaround, I was getting 30% processor usage on idle. So I reverted back to windows 10. How many years do you think I can make it work? Another 5?
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u/Unhappy_Boat9645 2d ago
In my opinion, unless you are playing extremely high-spec games, it might be fine to use it as an active duty for 5 years
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u/Windows_User3000 1d ago
That has to be a configuration issue. Windows 11 runs completely normally on my i3-7100.
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u/istarian 2d ago
As long as you have drivers that work and aren't majorly bugged, driver updates are largely unnecessary.
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u/Sea_Cow3569 1d ago
windows 11 drivers should still work on windows 10 since they use the same driver model
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u/Unhappy_Boat9645 1d ago
Windows 10 and Windows 11 have the same kernel version, so theoretically, it might be possible
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u/Crazyd_z 1d ago
Windows 10 still gets security updates if you login into windows account and apply for extended security updates. Using AI does not give you an accurate answer. Microsoft quitly extended that support for another year and it will more than likely be supported with security updates till Windows 12 is released.
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u/Unhappy_Boat9645 1d ago
Ah, I apologize for causing a misunderstanding. Although I am Korean and can speak English to some extent, I couldn't do it perfectly, so I used Google Translate
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u/Nikolas_kati 3d ago
did you really use AI to comment?
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u/Unhappy_Boat9645 3d ago
I apologize for causing you to misunderstand, but I used Google Translate because I am Korean, and although I can speak English to some extent, I cannot speak it perfectly
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u/Existing_Routine_599 3d ago
Just make sure to enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Then it's perfectly safe. So as long as you are enrolled your good to go up until October 12, 2027 (Security updates finally end on October 13, 2027 then)
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u/Crazyd_z 1d ago
Only the 3rd correct answer I have seen. But props!
Microsoft will keep quietly updating the date till the next version of Windows is released (Win 12). More than likely Windows 10 will hit true EOL then. I've been saying this since they said Windows 10 was EOL, but Windows 7 & 8 didn't go EOL till Windows 11 was released.
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u/Kobi_Blade 4d ago
Windows 10 currently has over 600 unpatched exploits, unless you have Extended Security Updates.
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4d ago
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u/Kobi_Blade 3d ago
The fact you relying on an outdated ISP router and Microsoft Defender, raises several concerns about the security in your household.
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3d ago
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u/Kobi_Blade 3d ago
You clearly never been to any cybersecurity event, to claim Microsoft Defender is best at anything.
Microsoft Defender is the number one target for most malware families, and is pretty much a paperweight.
A leather vest is also the best, when you don't get shot.
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u/valosgsc 3d ago
Can you recommend a free, third party antivirus instead of Defender for Windows 10 with the ESU?
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u/AegidiusG 3d ago
Exactly this, many of these exploits are very specific or need physical access to your PC, if someone will enter your home to use some of these exploits, you have entirely different problems.
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u/Crazyd_z 1d ago
Exactly why you enroll in Extended Security updates and log into Microsoft account once every month. It's not that difficult and Microsoft will more than likely support Win 10 till Win 12 is released. Just like they have supported every other OS they have made. Microsoft will always try to scare you into updating because they want to track you better with next OS so they can make more money off you.
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u/Abhijeet82 4d ago
Yes it is, use a third party internet security(except McAfee) 10 is still my daily driver
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u/Crazyd_z 1d ago
And enroll in Extended Security updates + Log into Microsoft Account at least once a month.
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u/a-sarcastic-guy 1d ago
I downgraded my main laptop to Windows 10 yesterday, after experimenting a bit on my old laptop for almost a month. With Extended Support for Windows 10 upto October 2027, you should be fine. I have not faced any issue till now, on any software and on any of my systems. All my apps that worked fine on Windows 11 seem to work properly with Windows 10 too (except Windhawk, which is OK considering many mods target Windows 11 only).
If you want to use it for personal use then enroll in the Extended Support Program for Windows 10. You will be safe till October 2027, or maybe even beyond that if Microsoft decides to extend the support.
However, there may be certain softwares or business applications that you may be using on a daily basis, which might need Windows 11, in order to work properly. In such cases, you may need to upgrade to Windows 11.
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u/Crazyd_z 1d ago
I'd like to add Microsoft hasn't truly made any OS End of Life until they are two OS versions behind. The Oct 2027 date will more than likely be quietly extended until Win 12 is released. Windows 7 hit OEL when Windows 11 was released... I guess they didn't count Windows 8.
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u/Extreme_Cow1115 3d ago
Just switch to 11, man. Time to move on...
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u/RWLemon 2d ago
What are we gonna do when they roll out windows 12 ai shit, I don’t think most of us want to move on 😂
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u/Extreme_Cow1115 23h ago
Sad reality is, most of us will because for most of there is nowhere else to go. Linux desktop is stupidly incompetent and lacks commercially developed apps and Mac is just another kind of evil.
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u/No-Dress-456 3d ago
It isn't like that, pal. Windows 11 has some pretty specific requirements and there is a possibility of them being unable to install it
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u/stone_solid 3d ago
The OP is pretty clear that this is a personal choice, not a hardware limitation
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u/nehlSC 2d ago
My hardware won't let me.
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u/Savings_Art5944 Windows 10 2d ago
Rufus will make an install disk from the MS ISO that can skip the hardware requirement and the microsoft account requirement.
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u/SQLQuery4 2d ago
I'm always genuinely surprised to see how many people are willingly using outdated OSes with outdated drivers for no other reason than that they vibe with it better. 10 is almost okay, if only because - so long as you're not doing sensitive functions like banking on it - you'll probably be okay. But there's people intentionally running shit like 7 and XP... like... I get it if you have no new hardware and no easy access to new devices, but otherwise...
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u/Serious_Attitude_882 3d ago
i regret my decision to upgrade to win11
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u/camracks 3d ago
did you just upgrade last night? lol
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u/Serious_Attitude_882 3d ago
i upgraded a few years back when win10 kept prompting the free upgrade to my face
immediate regret as my laptop performance fell significantly
used to run witcher 3 and elden ring smoothly under win10
and my laptop freezes randomly now
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u/DoctorOfTheCookie 3d ago
I did and it almost bricked my pc, exe files wouldn't start, even stuff like explorer or settings, it was total hell
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u/No-Dress-456 3d ago
ALMOST the same. It caused my CPU to literally overheat and made my PC overall slower especially in games.
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u/No-1nternet 3d ago
Yes, I don't see any problems. If someone wants to hack you, they will do it on 11.
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u/Delicious-Back-1131 3d ago
Yes but get extended security updates or people will be able to fry ur bios over the internet
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u/No-Dress-456 3d ago
This has gotta be ragebait bro
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u/Delicious-Back-1131 3d ago
Watch meta pcs short. They made one on it explaining you put windows in an insecure position and extremely vounerable to viruses.
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u/Crazyd_z 1d ago
A short? Really You get your information from a short?
Windows 10 still gets security updates if you login into windows account and apply for extended security updates. Microsoft quietly extended that support for another year to October 2027 and it will more than likely be supported with security updates till Windows 12 is released.
Viruses can hit any computer and any OS. Windows 10 is not more vulnerable than it ever has been.
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u/No-Dress-456 3d ago edited 3d ago
Yup. 98%. Its security definitions aren't too different from 11 anyways and it's very similar and most apps run perfectly fine. Windows 11 is very heavier, intensive and as you said, shitty. Using Windows 10 until it becomes completely deprecated (By 'deprecated' I mean the situation 7 and such are in right now) is a very sane option. Even if you doubt in the security, prepare a discrete AV. However, if you DO meet the requirements and have a strong enough PC to diminish its performance cost, then it's different
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3d ago
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u/No_Smoke9950 3d ago
Sto chiedendo questo perché il mio HP EliteBook 850 G1 non supporta Windows 11
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u/PickleMortyCoDm 2d ago
Advice for those of use with PCs that can't be upgraded to windows 11 but are still powerful as fuck?
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u/cerealKiller777777 Windows 10 2d ago
I mean i have an Intel i5 8th gen with 12GB ram
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u/PickleMortyCoDm 2d ago
I have an intel i7 6th gen with 32GB ram. Pretty sure it's enough, but I am hesitant since my PC is not supported
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u/chrisleightonn 2d ago
u may run into issues with anticheats (pretty sure only riot vanguard doesn’t work on unsupported W11 machines) because u have to skip and turn off TPM checks. Otherwise it’ll be just fine
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u/lordmycal 1d ago
So if you don't want windows, install linux. There are even distros dedicated to playing windows games on linux (Bazzite, CachyOS, SteamOS, etc.)
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u/Wolf________________ 1d ago
Honestly if you can't upgrade (And I'm not familiar with Windows upgrading rules but I feel like there is probably a way to do this) then connecting to the internet with an OS that is no longer getting active security updates means after that first missed update that 11 got but 10 did not you 100% are using a machine with known exploits that pretty much every threat will take advantage of.
If you can't use 11 and 10 is vulnerable I'd say you have to switch at that point to an OS outside of Windows.
Linux Mint is the most beginner friendly Linux distro and Cachy OS is the most gaming focused Linux distro with all the performance tweaks, although both are better on resources than Windows.0
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u/Alternative_Art42768 2d ago
Yes, Windows 10 is relatively safe to use, especially if you stay away from sketchy websites.
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u/PIODOWPAY 2d ago
Sim. Só irá deixar de ser daqui a uns dois anos. E eu aposto que, ainda assim a Microsoft continuará lançando patch emergenciais de vez em quando, como fez com outras versões passadas, porque muita gente ainda continuará o usando, e isto será um problema serio de segurança cibernética daqui a um tempo.
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u/JANK-STAR-LINES Windows 7 2d ago
Probably not unless you are enrolled in the ESU program. Many hackers are going to continue on targeting Windows 10 to those still using it.
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u/hamburgerpancake Windows 7 2d ago
Dude, I daily drive Windows 7. If 7 is secure, Windows 10 is too.
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u/DavisC504 2d ago
I'd say its time to upgrade.....if your pc won't handle Windows 11 like mine won't, use a program called Rufus to create a bootable usb drive and as a bonus you can choose an option in Rufus to create a local account so you don't have to sign into Windows.
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u/R0ntimeError 2d ago
Still using Win 10 Pro pay bills only and run on three different mini PCs different versions of Linux
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u/Different_Water7545 2d ago
Just be careful what you run and you could use it forever, I had XP for 20 years before finally switching to Linux
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u/SpaceXplorer13 2d ago
I'd recommend Firefox or Floorp for the browser, much more secure, much faster than chrome and edge (in my experience on systems that aren't top of the line) and you can install ad-blockers and many more extensions.
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u/PalaPoulose 1d ago
Was using FF as my daily driver until I realised that Buffering on YT is for real and FF Dev's are just crazy lazy!
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u/SpaceXplorer13 1d ago
I haven't encountered that. How long has this been a thing?
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u/PalaPoulose 1d ago
It's been there (noticeably) atleast for a year for me. But I believe it's more than that.
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u/ezekails2010 1d ago
Yes, it's completely safe... I still use Windows 8.1 qnd I don't have any problems, so...
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u/TheHuman200202 1d ago
Yes, the OS is still getting security updates until next year, and maybe they'll extend it, you have to enroll in the ESU program though
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1d ago
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u/windows-ModTeam 1d ago
Hi u/Derrick_Fareelz, your comment has been removed for the following reason(s):
- Rule 5 - While discussions regarding Linux are permitted, low-effort comments like "Just switch to Linux!" might result in a ban.
If you have any questions, feel free to send us a message!
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u/Square-Growth9598 4d ago
I use windows xp on my acer zg5 its still safe and stable
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u/Commercial_Ad_6904 3d ago
Just dont' connect to the internet
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u/istarian 2d ago
The system they named will struggly quite a bit with large parts of the modern internet anyway... so it's best suited to offline stuff these days.
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u/GhostandVodka 3d ago
I don't think you know what safe means
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u/Crazyd_z 1d ago
LOL
FYI: Windows 10 still gets security updates if you login into windows account and enroll in extended security support. Microsoft quietly extended that support for another year to October 2027 and it will more than likely be supported with security updates till Windows 12 is released. Just like every other version of Windows since XP.
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u/Kea784 4d ago
0patch updates
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u/shiremonoga 3d ago
0 patch virus + malware + spyware. Yes, i'd love that 😍
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u/Kea784 2d ago
What are you talking about????
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u/Crazyd_z 1d ago
Obviously he does not know.
Windows 10 still gets security updates if you login into windows account and apply for extended security updates. Microsoft quietly extended that support for another year to October 2027 and it will more than likely be supported with security updates till Windows 12 is released. Just like every other version of Windows since XP.
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u/132carloss Windows Vista 3d ago
If you just do smart browsing and dont go to unsafe websites or download unsafe things it should be fine. And if you really dont want to use windows 11, linux could be a great option.
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u/Sathxplorer 3d ago
I use Bitdefender and everything is fine 👍
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u/GhostandVodka 3d ago
you are probably DDOSing clients all day and you have no idea.
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u/Sathxplorer 2d ago
What does that mean?
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u/GhostandVodka 2d ago
When a windows machine gets compromised more times than not it becomes a "zombie" machine. This Zombie is part of what is called a botnet. Botnets are used to attack publicly accessable infrastructure over the internet.
Have you heard of a distributed Denial of Service attack? This is when a botnet "attacks" something publicly accessible on the internet. Everytime a server receives an incoming connection, it has to respond
These botnets, that consist of thousands to tens of thousand of Zombie machines send rapid connections to the server and the server can't respond to everyone. Causing the service they are providing to shut down. Denial of Service.
These Zombies are just compromised home machines where the owner doesn't know its compromised. If an unpatched windows machine gets direct access to the internet it becomes part of a botnet within 4 minutes. Your windows 10 machine stopped getting patches a year ago. This is why windows updates are important and people that don't install then are morons.
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u/Sathxplorer 1d ago edited 1d ago
Thanks for the info but this doesn't mean that Bitdefender is not safe right? I mean how does one knows for sure if he's part of a botnet?
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u/GhostandVodka 1d ago
you usually don't. You'd have to know how to monitor outgoing connections from your computer. Only use fully patched Operating Systems. Windows 10 is obsolete
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u/Crazyd_z 1d ago
Bit Defender is one of the better Virus scanners on the market. You must be thinking of Norton or McAfee or Windows Defender. I dislike them only because they enroll you in auto-renewal program which you can't easily opt out of and they have multiple ways of unenrolling just to make them seem even more sketchy.
Their product however is very good, but I think they got bought out by venture capitalist. Trying to squeeze out every penny of profit.
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u/Frixniper 3d ago
I'm using Win 10 22H2 right now, and it's just amazing to be out of the dumpster fire everyone around me is suffering in
Also, it's still pretty safe to use, just don't download anything stupid. Stay safe out there
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u/Windows7RTMx64 3d ago
Yes 🫡 with ESU for 22H2 and that's what I exactly did when I downgrade from Windows 11 to 10. In fact, I'd still rather use XP or 7 if Microsoft don't end support for older Windows versions.
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u/Lord_Muddbutter 3d ago
Honestly for a couple home services I could probably run Windows XP and still have it be safe.
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u/rflulling 3d ago
Two things. Terms of service basically says yeah we control everything and there's nothing you can do about it. And then that I can't move the start menu to the upper right corner. Those are the two big things. And the first that includes a lot of stuff.
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u/imfulluvit 3d ago
People are still using 7 without issue. My Surface Pro 4 has 10. No issues. Can't downgrade to 11 so I don't. Nothing wrong with it. I'm always careful to run all .exe installers through virustotal.
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u/Sprintguy21 3d ago
Yes and if your worried about updates after 2027 extended updates just use legacy update
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u/SQLQuery4 2d ago
I wouldn't recommend using Windows 10 once the security updates run out. Common software will eventually stop receiving support and you will be more vulnerable from a security perspective. Windows 11 is in many ways functionally the same as Windows 10. Besides minor aesthetic changes, there is little reason not to upgrade unless your hardware has issues. At the latest in 2 or 3 years you'll definitely want to upgrade, may as well do so now. Alternatively, you may consider a Linux distribution if you have a philosophical issue with Microsoft's current direction, but using an outdated and insecure operating system isn't the ideal solution.
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u/Muted_Willingness_35 2d ago
Yeah, so? Office 2007 no longer receives support either, and Excel and Word still runs fine.
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u/SQLQuery4 1d ago edited 1d ago
Yes, you also shouldn't use those if you're handling sensitive data within Office or otherwise have sensitive data on the computer.
Edit: Here's a helpful list with 6 pages of known vulnerabilities that have not officially been patched.
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u/Hot-Preparation-3604 2d ago
The security updates have run out, almost a year ago…
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u/SQLQuery4 1d ago
True, however Microsoft does offer extended support for a fee. See here.
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u/Sonic_Eclipse 1d ago
You can receive it for free if you're syncing your PC settings
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u/Crazyd_z 1d ago
Thank you for being the first person I have found to answer this question correctly. What is wrong with these people?
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u/Muted_Willingness_35 7h ago
You can also get it "free" for 1000 Microsoft Reward points. Just use Bing and play some Microsoft games for a week.
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u/Hot-Preparation-3604 1d ago
Right, but you are paying just to temporarily limp a little further at that point.
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u/SQLQuery4 1d ago
Absolutely, stuff like that is only for those who have some critical system that needs 10 and internet access and aren't ready to migrate to 11. Any regular consumer should just upgrade.
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u/AnToMegA424 2d ago
It is, though probably already less than 11 now (and will increasingly be less safe as time goes on, since there be no support)
Now no matter if you're using Windows 11 or want to to stay to Windows 10 an amazing free and open source tool to help you debloat this hellscape of OS would be O&O Shutup 10, so it can both help now that you're on Windows 10 and to turn to Windows 11 as you unfortunately probably should sometimes in the future
Bye Recall, bye Cortana, bye useless shitty invading telemetry in the background (though it's probably not perfect and that you need to know what you're doing eventually)\ You can also choose to completely disable clipboard, camera, location, etc and reenable it at any time very easily
It also has indicators on what can be more safely modified than what and why
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u/Crazyd_z 1d ago
Extended Support provides security updates at least until Oct 2027. Do you really not know this?
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u/thevoidhearsyou 1d ago
Windows 10 as your primary OS is a bad idea because there are no new security updates which leaves you open to being hacked and eventually edge will stop working for windows 10.
You will have to upgrade to windows 11 or install a 3rd part open source OS. Edge and other Microsoft products are supported on most Linux distributions if you don't like the native Linux software. It really depends on your choice.
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u/Sea_Cow3569 1d ago
looks like a laptop, definitely stay on 10
my friend upgraded his msi gaming laptop from 10 to 11 and his battery life got cut in half (mostly because windows 11 won't let the dedicated gpu enter idle state and refuses to fully power off or enter sleep mode because of active standby and wake timers)
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u/GhostandVodka 3d ago
Windows 10 is dead. You will be part of a botnet within 5 min of connecting it to the internet. This can't be real.
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u/Muted_Willingness_35 2d ago
Yes, this isn't real. "part of a botnet within 5 min of connecting", indeed! Get a life and quit spewing FUD. I upgraded from Win11 back to Win10 within 3 months last January. With ESU.
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u/ubuntu_ninja 3d ago
For home use - Yes.
But for Business / Enterprise - it's better to switch to 11.