With Microsoft officially ending built-in Windows 10 security support in October of 2025, the need for users on older operating systems to upgrade is greater than ever. If, for whatever reason, you’ve waited until now to upgrade, you’ll find yourself in an uncomfortable position. In many cases, the requirement for upgrading to Windows 11 means upgrading an entire computer system. The prices for key components have recently experienced significant leaps, however, and this doesn’t seem to be changing any time soon, so what are you to do?
Why the Hardware Woes?
The necessity of newer hardware for many systems comes from Windows 11’s requirement for what is called Trusted Platform Module 2.0. This is a hardware-level security feature that isn’t offered on many older systems. The only way to get around this is to upgrade, but this introduces more issues:
- A new TPM module requires a motherboard upgrade.
- A motherboard upgrade will usually require (at least) new RAM and a new CPU.
- RAM prices have recently skyrocketed thanks to AI buying up supply chains, massively increasing user costs.
Given this reality, using a workaround for Windows 10 might be a preferable choice. If you’re unsure whether your system can tolerate an upgrade, you can check a tutorial to find out.
Sticking with Windows 10
Fortunately, keeping your Windows 10 system safe and operable isn’t much of an issue. The drop of Windows 10 native security features is just that, limited to security. Almost all other programs and uses will still operate normally, and should do so for at least a few more years into the future.
Consider, for example, if you use your device primarily for entertainment like streaming, or something more involved, such as UK slots. In this case, titles like Super Coins and Golden Winner rely on up-to-date browsers to function normally, and this isn’t an issue. Windows 7, released in 2009, was supported by Google Chrome until 2023. According to a similar schedule, entertainment like online casino games on Windows 10 might still be playable up until at least 2029.
Because of these truths, you can address the hole that Microsoft left by installing and maintaining third-party security software. Here you have several options, from free systems like Malwarebytes to trusted and broader suites of paid software like Emsisoft Anti-Malware or Norton AntiVirus Plus. These aren’t quite as automatic or streamlined as what was offered with Windows, but they’re still powerful tools that keep your system covered against threats.
Once you’ve looked at the reviews to find the best piece of security software for your needs, the last step is continual maintenance and good practices. Run security scans regularly, check for updates, and never plug in any drives or media if you don’t know exactly what they are.
We don’t know for sure how long Windows 10 will remain technically functional, so if you’ve come this far, it might be worth keeping an eye out for new deals. While RAM and SSD prices are still painfully high, there are still instances where you might find a deal too good to pass up. While you should always be careful about anything that seems too good to be true, there are still opportunities out there, and you’ll want to be ready to chase them.