Windows 10 Users: Do This Immediately to Stay Safe

To protect a Windows 10 PC after end of support, install all available Windows updates, enrol in Extended Security Updates if eligible, use updated antivirus, back up your files, remove old apps, use a modern browser, enable multi-factor authentication, and upgrade to Windows 11 if your PC supports it.

If your PC is still running Windows 10, now is the time to protect it. Windows 10 support ended on 14th October 2025, which means regular security updates and fixes are no longer available unless you take extra steps. Your PC will still work, but it may become more exposed to malware, ransomware, browser attacks, and new security flaws.

The good news is that you still have options. This Windows security guide covers the key Windows 10 protection tips to help you secure your PC, back up your files, and decide whether to upgrade to Windows 11.

 

Why Windows 10 End of Support Matters

When an operating system reaches end of support, it does not become useless overnight. Your files, apps, browser, printer, and games may still work.

But the security situation has changed.

Microsoft no longer provides normal free security fixes for Windows 10 after the support deadline. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre also encouraged organisations to prepare for the move to Windows 11 before Windows 10 became legacy technology.

That matters because attackers often look for unsupported systems. Once a weakness is known, criminals can build tools to exploit it. If your PC is not receiving updates, the gap between “known problem” and “fixed problem” may never close.

So, the question is not whether Windows 10 still works.

The question is whether you can still trust it for banking, work, email, passwords, family photos, and personal documents.

 

1. Check for Windows Updates Immediately

Before doing anything else, open Windows Update and install every available update.

Go to:

Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates

Install all security updates, restart the PC, then check again. Sometimes Windows needs more than one restart to finish everything.

This is the simplest step, but it is also one of the most important. If your PC has missed months of patches, you may already be behind.

Also check whether your device is eligible for Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates programme, which allows Windows 10 users to continue receiving critical security updates for a limited period. Microsoft offers information for UK users through its Windows 10 Extended Security Updates page.

Think of this as buying time. It is not a permanent solution, but it can help protect your PC while you plan your next move.

Before you assume your PC is fully protected, it is also worth checking the latest Microsoft Windows secure boot update, as secure boot changes can affect how well your device defends against low-level threats.

 

2. Use a Strong Antivirus and Keep It Updated

If you are staying on Windows 10, antivirus protection is no longer optional.

Microsoft Defender is built into Windows and is good enough for many people, but only if it is active, updated, and working properly.

Check it here:

Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection

Make sure real-time protection is turned on. Then run a full scan.

If you prefer a paid antivirus, choose one from a reputable provider and avoid unknown “PC cleaner” tools that promise miracle speed boosts. Some of those apps create more problems than they solve.

A good antivirus should help with:

Protection Area	Why It Matters
Malware scanning	Detects harmful files and apps
Ransomware protection	Helps stop files being encrypted by attackers
Web protection	Blocks dangerous websites
Phishing protection	Warns about fake login pages
Behaviour monitoring	Spots suspicious activity

Antivirus will not make an unsupported PC perfectly safe, but it adds an important layer of defense.

 

3. Back Up Your Files Before Something Goes Wrong

If your Windows 10 PC is infected, stolen, damaged, or locked by ransomware, your files may be the biggest loss.

That is why backups matter.

At minimum, back up:

• Documents
• Photos
• Videos
• Work files
• Desktop folders
• Browser bookmarks
• Password manager recovery codes
• Important downloads
• Email archives, if stored locally

Use more than one backup method if possible. A good setup is:

Backup Type	Best For
Cloud backup	Easy access and automatic syncing
External hard drive	Full local copy of important files
USB drive	Simple backup for key documents
System image	Restoring an entire PC setup

Do not leave your only backup drive plugged in all the time. Ransomware can sometimes encrypt connected drives too.

The safest rule is simple: keep at least one backup separate from your PC.

 

4. Upgrade to Windows 11 If Your PC Supports It

The cleanest long-term option is to upgrade to Windows 11.

To check whether your PC can upgrade, go to:

Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update

You can also use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to see whether your device meets Windows 11 requirements.

A Windows 11 upgrade is worth considering if your PC has:

Requirement	Why It Matters
Supported processor	Needed for official Windows 11 compatibility
TPM 2.0	Helps protect encryption and credentials
Secure Boot	Helps block boot-level malware
Enough RAM	Keeps the system responsive
Enough storage	Prevents upgrade and update problems

If your PC supports Windows 11, upgrading is usually the most practical way to protect it.

If you are already planning a new device, our guide to Microsoft Surface tablets can help you compare modern Windows hardware before replacing an older Windows 10 laptop.

 

5. If You Cannot Upgrade, Use Extended Security Updates

Some perfectly usable Windows 10 PCs cannot officially upgrade to Windows 11 because of hardware requirements.

If that is your situation, do not ignore the problem. Look into the Extended Security Updates programme. It can give you extra time by continuing critical security updates for Windows 10.

This is useful if:

• Your PC still works well
• You cannot buy a new laptop yet
• You need more time to move files and apps
• You use specialist software
• You are waiting for a better upgrade deal

But do not treat Extended Security Updates as a forever fix. It is a bridge, not a destination.

Use that extra time to plan your next step: upgrade to Windows 11, replace the PC, or move to another supported operating system.

 

6. Stop Using an Admin Account Every Day

Many people use an administrator account for everything. That is convenient, but risky.

If malware gets into your PC while you are using an admin account, it may get deeper access to the system.

A safer setup is:

• One administrator account for system changes
• One standard account for daily use

Use the standard account for browsing, email, shopping, streaming, and everyday work. Only use the admin account when installing trusted software or changing system settings.

This small change can reduce the damage caused by malicious apps.

 

7. Remove Old Apps You No Longer Use

Old software can become a security risk.

If you have apps installed that you no longer use, remove them. This is especially important for old browser extensions, outdated PDF tools, abandoned media players, and trial software that came with the PC.

Go to:

Settings > Apps > Apps & features

Uninstall anything you recognise and no longer need.

Be careful not to remove drivers or system tools unless you know what they do.

Also update the apps you keep, especially:

App Type	Why It Matters
Browsers	Common target for web attacks
PDF readers	Often used in phishing attacks
Office apps	Can open risky documents
Password managers	Must stay patched
Video meeting apps	Often used for work
Cloud storage apps	Handle important files

Security is not only about Windows updates. Your apps need updates too.

 

8. Use a Modern Browser

If you stay on Windows 10, your browser becomes one of your most important security tools.

Use a modern browser that still receives updates. Keep it updated automatically and remove extensions you do not trust.

Avoid saving passwords directly in the browser unless you also use strong device security and two-factor authentication. A dedicated password manager is often safer.

Good browser habits include:

• Do not click unknown email links
• Do not download random attachments
• Avoid fake “update your PC” pop-ups
• Use HTTPS websites
• Remove suspicious extensions
• Keep the browser updated
• Use unique passwords for important accounts

Most attacks do not begin with a hacker typing into your PC. They begin with a link, attachment, pop-up, or fake login page.

Anyone who uses Windows for both work and gaming may also want to follow Microsoft’s Project Helix Xbox, especially as Microsoft continues blending PC, cloud, and console experiences.

 

9. Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication

Passwords alone are not enough.

Turn on multi-factor authentication for your most important accounts, especially:

• Email
• Banking
• Microsoft account
• Google account
• Apple ID
• Cloud storage
• Work accounts
• Shopping accounts
• Social media

Email is the most important one. If someone gets into your email, they may be able to reset passwords for many other services.

Use an authenticator app where possible. SMS codes are better than nothing, but app-based verification is usually stronger.

This is one of the best protection steps you can take, whether you use Windows 10 or Windows 11.

 

10. Be CarefulWithBanking and Sensitive Work

If your Windows 10 PC is no longer receiving security updates, be more cautious about what you use it for.

Avoid using an unsupported Windows 10 PC for:

• Online banking
• Tax accounts
• Business finance
• Password management
• Sensitive work documents
• Medical records
• Crypto wallets
• Admin access to company systems

If you must use it, make sure it has active security updates through Extended Security Updates, updated antivirus, a modern browser, and strong account protection.

For anything sensitive, a supported device is safer.

 

Should You Replace Your Windows 10 PC?

You do not always need to replace your PC immediately. But you should make a plan.

Replace it sooner if:

• It cannot upgrade to Windows 11
• It is slow even after maintenance
• It has 4GB or 8GB RAM and struggles with basic tasks
• The battery is weak
• It no longer receives firmware updates
• You use it for banking, work, or business
• Repair costs are too high

Keep it temporarily if:

• It is enrolled in Extended Security Updates
• You only use it for light tasks
• It has updated antivirus
• Your files are backed up
• You plan to replace it soon
• It is not used for sensitive activity

A Windows 10 PC can still have a role, but it should not be your most trusted device unless it is properly protected.

 

Quick Windows 10 Protection Checklist

Use this checklist now:

Step	Done?
Install all Windows updates	☐
Check Extended Security Updates eligibility	☐
Turn on Microsoft Defender or trusted antivirus	☐
Run a full malware scan	☐
Back up important files	☐
Remove unused apps	☐
Update browsers and key software	☐
Use a standard account for daily work	☐
Turn on multi-factor authentication	☐
Check Windows 11 upgrade eligibility	☐
Plan replacement if upgrade is not possible	☐

 

 

Final Advice: Do Not Wait Until Something Breaks

Windows 10 may still look normal. Your desktop is still there. Your apps may still open. Your files may still be exactly where you left them.

But the security foundation has changed.

If you want to secure a Windows 10 PC, you need to act now: install updates, use antivirus, back up your files, check Extended Security Updates, and upgrade to Windows 11 if your device supports it.

• The worst option is doing nothing.
• A protected Windows 10 PC can buy you time.
• An ignored Windows 10 PC can become a risk.

 

Common Questions to Answer

Is Windows 10 still safe to use?

Windows 10 can still be used, but it is less safe without ongoing security updates. If you continue using it, install all available updates, use antivirus, back up files, and consider Extended Security Updates.

What should I do first to protect Windows 10?

Start with Windows Update, then check out antivirus protection, back up important files, update your browser, and turn on multi-factor authentication for important accounts.

Can I still upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11?

Yes, if your PC meets Windows 11 hardware requirements. Check Windows Update or use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool.

What if my PC cannot run Windows 11?

Consider Extended Security Updates, replacing the device, or using the Windows 10 PC only for low-risk tasks while you plan a supported upgrade.

Do I need an antivirus on Windows 10?

Yes. Microsoft Defender is built in and works well for many users, but it must be active and updated. You can also use a reputable paid antivirus.

Should I back up files before upgrading to Windows 11?

Yes. Always back up important files before any major operating system upgrades. Use cloud storage, external drive, or both.

Is Extended Security Updates a permanent fix?

No. Extended Security Updates are a temporary way to keep receiving critical security updates. They give you more time, but upgrading or replacing the device is still the better long-term plan.