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Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Yahoo
This secret version of Windows 10 still gets updates until 2032
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Microsoft won't advertise it, and you're highly unlikely to stumble across it by accident, but there's a version of Windows 10 that drops the ads, the AI, and will be officially supported for years to come — long after most are forced to upgrade to Windows 11. For those unaware, Windows 10 is due to be retired by Microsoft on October 14, 2025. Beyond this date, the operating system will lose access to any technical support, future feature drops, and vital security updates. While your computer will run as normal, and you don't actually need to leave Windows 10 behind, any potential system vulnerabilities discovered after the end-of-support date will remain exploitable forevermore. It'll be open season on your data, hardware, and privacy, and your copy of Windows will be about as secure as a piñata at a party packed with sugar-lusting Little Leaguers. Microsoft's ideal solution is for Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11. Those whose devices don't meet the operating system's minimum specs can alternatively opt into the company's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which offers regular consumers an extra year of security updates for $30. However, there's one group of Windows 10 users this doesn't apply to. In fact, those running this particular version of Windows 10 might be among the happiest of all. At a glance, it appears to be the operating system that dreams are made of. A near-stock version of Windows 10, without the ads or bloat. No Copilot, no AI, not even Cortana. And up to seven more years of official security updates, ending in 2032. This version of Windows 10 sounds like the one many have been wishing for, but in true monkey's paw fashion, the real cost of that wish isn't immediately clear. Getting it isn't easy. Running it comes with its own consequences. And using it means stepping into a sealed room where time stopped ticking in 2021 — for better or worse. I'm talking, of course, about Windows 10 21H2 LTSC. Windows 10 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) is a special, stripped-down version of Windows 10 designed primarily for embedded systems that don't need the usual array of features found in the typical desktop experience. Think hospital equipment, factory machines, ATMs, and even those touchscreen kiosks at McDonald's. LTSC versions of Windows 10 are typically installed on machines that serve a single purpose and can't afford any software surprises that might throw a sudden wrench in the works. To that end, Windows 10 LTSC doesn't receive any feature updates or flashy redesigns — just a quiet stream of security and stability fixes. It's the version of Windows 10 Microsoft never wanted you to use, and, even though it's entirely capable, it was never designed to run your laptop or desktop machine. Still, that doesn't mean you can't do it anyway. Windows 10 LTSC offers a streamlined experience that many users might find deeply appealing. No ads, no Microsoft Store, and no Copilot in sight. It's a pure, undiluted shot of Windows 10 — a snapshot of the operating system before Microsoft began meddling with how users liked it. Factor in the platform's extended support, running until January 12, 2027 for the 2021 LTSC release; and up to January 13, 2032 for the 2021 IoT Enterprise LTSC, and you've got a shimmering beacon of hope for those seeking a secure way to continue using Windows 10 long after its mainstream October 14 end-of-support date. But not all that glitters is gold. The first hurdle? You'll need to get your hands on it. LTSC editions aren't available through standard retail channels like Home and Pro editions. They typically require a volume licensing agreement with a minimum purchase of five licenses, which can push the price of switching through the roof. That said, ISOs are readily available online, and OEM keys for Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC can be found through grey market retailers, completely cutting out the middleman at a fraction of the price (albeit with the usual risks). Compatibility is another looming issue. While versions of Windows 10 LTSC have years of official support ahead of them, Windows 10 is still approaching its mainstream end-of-support date, and support for the regular Windows 10 21H2 edition ended years ago, meaning certain software or drivers may drop support for the operating system in future updates, leaving your longer-lasting operating system to slowly decay through digital attrition. On paper, Windows 10 LTSC is everything users could ask for. It's a safe haven to continue using their favored operating system with peace of mind, a bloat-free experience that does away with all but the basics, and a restore point positioned right before Microsoft dove into AI with both feet first and never looked back. But it's also a version of Windows you were never really supposed to have, perhaps for a reason. Yes, you can use it. But it comes with caveats: a frozen feature set, a licensing process that can range from ludicrously expensive to ethically murky, and the knowledge that while Microsoft is obliged to support the platform with updates for several years, third-party developers aren't. Compatibility headaches could lie further down the road. Still, for aging hardware that doesn't fit the Windows 11 mould, securing a Windows 10 LTSC key could be the difference between longer life and landfill. This new Microsoft tool could be the final nail in Windows 10's coffin This app outsmarted Windows 11's most "dangerous" feature — here's how Gamers should be ditching Windows for SteamOS — here's why
Daily Record
06-06-2025
- Daily Record
Windows 10 usership continues to rise despite ultimate deadline looming
Despite Microsoft being set to pull the plug on Windows 10 in the coming months, the software is still more popular than the newer Windows 11. Recent figures have shown that despite the end slowly looming around Windows 10, the software is still the most used operating system on the planet. This is a stark contrast to its successor Windows 11, which has seen a drop in adoption. However, Microsoft users will soon be forced to make the switch as on October 14, 2025, as Windows 10 will come to the end of its life. With this date just over four months away, you would expect users to be quick to switch to the latest operating system. Well, the latest stats from team as Statcounter have revealed that Windows 10 is still the more widely popular software, with the number of users actually seen to grow in the last month, reports the Express. The new figures show that Windows 10 currently has a 53.19 per cent share of the market, whereas Windows 11 sits lower at a 43.22 per cent share. At the start of the year, many Microsoft users made the switch to the newer system as it has seen a huge growth over the past six months. However, this growth has suddenly ceased and no one is completely sure what the cause is. It has been revealed that since March, Windows 11 has only seen a growth of less than one per cent. These stats could be very worrying to Microsoft as they are set to pull the plug on the operating system's predecessor in the coming months. For those unaware of the major shift, as of October 14 Windows 10 will no longer receive any software updates. This means users of the system won't have access to any new features or security updates. While the PCs will still work, they will be more vulnerable to bugs and cyber attacks as they won't be equipped with the latest defences. Microsoft explained: "As a reminder, Windows 10 will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025. "At this point technical assistance, feature updates and security updates will no longer be provided. If you have devices running Windows 10, we recommend upgrading them to Windows 11- a more current, in-service, and supported Windows release." The annoyance for many people is that while they have a perfectly good laptop or PC that does everything they need it to do, it will simply lose updates as it is not compatible with the shinier Windows 11. Additionally, as some people look for new devices that will still receive updates, many quality devices may end up in landfills. However, Microsoft is offering users one lifeline, but it does come with a cost. An Extended Security Updates (ESU) plan will soon be available and will offer users some security patches to try and keep their devices safe. However, in order to protect your Windows 10 PC, users will need to pay £24 per year for the added security. Microsoft does emphasise that this plan means users will receive "critical and important security updates". Executive vice president and consumer chief marketing officer at Windows, Yusaf Mehdi, explained: "We understand that some of you may require additional time while moving to a new Windows 11 PC or Copilot+ PC. During this period, you may wish to take steps to help secure your existing PC. "For the first time ever, we're introducing an ESU program for personal use as well. The ESU program for consumers will be a one-year option available for $30. Program enrollment will be available closer to the end of support in 2025." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
The Star
25-05-2025
- The Star
Opinion: You can keep using Windows 10 after October, but security updates will cost you
I really like it when something I write starts more conversations. A while back I wrote about Windows PCs and antivirus software. In that piece, I included a line that read in part, 'If you're running Windows 11 (and you do need to be running Windows 11)…' I received more than a few emails from readers asking why I wrote that specific line about needing to be running Windows 11. Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 in October 2025. This means they will no longer offer free security update and fixes. This news is understandably making people nervous, and probably a little mad. Nobody likes to be told what to do – especially when it costs money. There are a lot of users who have figured out their current computers are not compatible with Windows 11. Most of those people are perfectly happy with the computer they currently own, and don't like being told to buy a new one or risk the consequences. So, let's talk about those consequences. What happens if you continue using Windows 10 after October? I told one reader that I'd liken it to driving your car without seat belts or airbags. Those safety devices are there to protect you, but you really don't need them unless you are in an accident. (Please wear your seat belts. Obviously, this is just an analogy to give the upgrade some context.) Everyone must decide how much risk they are willing to undertake. Your Windows 10 computer will still work after October. You will have an increased risk of getting malware or a virus that could compromise your personal information. Someone asked if running a third-party antivirus app would protect them. Antivirus solutions can still protect against malware or viruses, but the operating system patching that Microsoft has provided will go away One thing I learned recently is that Microsoft is only ending free Windows 10 security updates. Business customers can buy up to three years of extended security updates, but those will cost more. Each machine will cost US$61 (RM260) for the first year, then the cost doubles each year in the second and third years. After three years, the ESU will cost business and enterprise customers a total of US$427 (1,820) per machine. As for consumers, if you are willing to pay US$30 (RM127), you can buy one more year of protection for your Windows 10 Home systems (through October 2026). This is called the Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 10. Microsoft has not mentioned ESU availability for home users after the first year, but stay tuned. – Tribune News Service
Fox News
15-04-2025
- Fox News
Windows 10 security flaws leave millions vulnerable
Windows 11 is the latest and greatest operating system from Microsoft, but it has its flaws, so much so that even four years after its release, some people are sticking with older versions. Windows 10 remains the operating system of choice for many, even though Microsoft has shifted its focus entirely to Windows 11. In fact, the Redmond-based company will end security updates for Windows 10 this October. If that's not enough to push you toward upgrading, the latest news might be. The 240 million Windows 10 users are vulnerable to dozens of security vulnerabilities, six of which are reportedly already being exploited by bad actors. The vulnerabilities in question were part of a recent Microsoft Patch Tuesday update, a monthly release where the company addresses security flaws. In this case, six specific exploits were identified as being actively used by hackers to target Windows 10 systems. These exploits are particularly alarming because they are already in the wild, meaning attackers are leveraging them to compromise systems before all users have had a chance to update their devices. The affected population, estimated at 240 million, refers to users whose PCs cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations, such as lacking TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) or other system requirements. The six exploits include a mix of flaws that allow hackers to achieve various malicious outcomes, such as executing arbitrary code, escalating privileges to take full control of a system or bypassing security features. For example, one exploit might overload system memory to overwrite critical data (a buffer overflow), while another could allow attackers to access sensitive information by exploiting a flaw in the Windows Kernel. These vulnerabilities are especially dangerous because they can be triggered remotely or through seemingly innocuous actions, like opening a malicious file or mounting a compromised virtual hard disk. Microsoft has released patches to address these issues, and America's Cyber Defense Agency has urged users to update their systems immediately, ideally by this month, or risk severe consequences. The agency even suggested turning off unpatched computers as a precaution. Updating to the latest Windows 10 patch is the simplest and most effective way to protect against these exploits right now. However, a bigger problem looms later this year. Microsoft will officially end free security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After that, systems running Windows 10 will no longer receive critical security patches, unless users enroll in Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. This ESU program will be available to individual users for the first time and will cost $30 per device for one additional year of updates. It's designed to give users more time to transition, especially those who can't upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations. While this offers a temporary reprieve, it's not a long-term solution; the ESU program will only extend support for a limited time (typically three years in enterprise settings) and prices may increase annually. The scale of the problem remains significant. Millions of devices lack the hardware requirements for Windows 11, such as TPM 2.0 and newer CPUs, making the shift costly or impractical for some. Analysts warn this could contribute to a surge in electronic waste, unless recycling and repurposing efforts improve dramatically. If you're a Windows 10 user, the immediate step is to ensure your system is updated with the latest patches. Follow the steps below to do that: 1) Use strong antivirus software: Even with the latest patches, no system is entirely immune to threats. Strong antivirus software can act as a second line of defense, detecting and neutralizing malware that exploits vulnerabilities before they cause harm. Look for solutions with real-time protection and frequent updates to tackle emerging threats. While this won't fix unpatched system flaws after October 2025, it can reduce risks from common attack vectors like phishing or malicious downloads. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. 2) Limit exposure: Many exploits rely on user interaction, such as clicking a shady link, downloading a compromised file or mounting an untrusted virtual disk. Stick to reputable websites, avoid opening unsolicited email attachments and use a browser with built-in security features (like Microsoft Edge or Chrome with Safe Browsing enabled). 3) Plan for the future: The clock is ticking on Windows 10's security updates. If your hardware can't handle Windows 11, weigh your long-term options. Buying a new PC might be inevitable, but you could also explore alternatives like Linux, which offers free, secure operating systems (e.g., Ubuntu or Linux Mint) that run well on older hardware. The road ahead for Windows 10 users is anything but smooth. With critical vulnerabilities emerging and official support coming to an end, millions are being pushed into a difficult decision. They can upgrade their hardware, pay for temporary patches or continue using increasingly vulnerable systems. As October draws closer, the risks will only increase. Updating your system is essential, but it's just a short-term measure. Now is the time to start preparing for what comes after, before the window of protection closes for good. Do you think tech companies are doing enough to prevent hackers from obtaining your data? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Miami Herald
09-04-2025
- Miami Herald
Microsoft Windows users face a dangerous threat
Microsoft recently reminded Windows 10 users that support for the operating system will end on October 14, 2025. Microsoft 10 launched in July 2015, and the company was obliged to give 10 years of support. Windows 10 is the most popular Windows OS, accounting for 54% of market share or more than $800 million users, according to Statista. In 2024, Microsoft Windows ran on 1.6 billion active devices. For users wishing to continue using Windows 10 beyond its end-of-support date, Microsoft offers a one-year Extended Security Update (ESU) program priced at $30. However, without ESU or an upgrade to Windows 11, users will face increased security risks. Related: Tech group leader sends startling eight-word message about tariffs The tech giant, which celebrated its 50th birthday this month, has not provided as much information about the ESU program for regular users as it has for business customers. This may be a strategic move to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11 rather than opting for the ESU, writes Windows Latest. The winding down of support is particularly important, given a new emerging cybersecurity threat that could pose a major risk to Microsoft's customers. An updated version of malware known as Neptune RAT (Remote Access Trojan) presents an "extremely serious threat" to millions of Windows users. Cyfirma, a Singapore-based cybersecurity firm, recently issued a warning regarding the malware, which has spread across platforms such as GitHub, Telegram, and YouTube. The malware is often marketed as the "Most Advanced RAT," according to Cyfirma. Cyfrima describes Neptune RAT as a "sophisticated and highly dangerous" piece of malware capable of bypassing traditional security measures, stealing passwords, and even destroying Windows operating systems. The RAT can compromise over 270 applications, including browsers, and features both ransomware capabilities and live desktop monitoring. Related: Veteran fund manager who forecast S&P 500 crash unveils surprising update Designed to disrupt and steal sensitive data, Neptune RAT applies high-level anti-analysis techniques to maintain a presence on the victim's system for a long period of time. Once established, it can fully take control of a device, extracting sensitive information and receiving further instructions from its handlers. The worst part: the developer suggests that there is an even more powerful version of this malware. Neptune RAT's creator, who made it available without the source code, claims it is intended for "educational and ethical purposes," though the malware's capabilities make it hard to believe that explanation. The developer, currently residing in Saudi Arabia, states that this is a free version, implying the existence of a more advanced, paid version. Sensitive information that Neptune RAT can collect includes the user's name, computer details, operating system data, hardware specifications (such as CPU, RAM, and hard drive serial number), network data, and even information about connected USB devices. Written in Visual Basic .NET, the RAT can swap clipboard contents with the attacker's cryptocurrency wallet addresses. Its code is obfuscated with Arabic characters and emojis to make reverse engineering more difficult. Additionally, Neptune RAT can extract and decrypt passwords from browsers such as Chrome, Opera, Chromium, 360Chrome, Brave, Yandex, and others. These credentials are then transmitted to the attacker's server. To mitigate the risk of an attack, Cyfirma recommends several courses of action. Implementing threat intelligence to detect indicators of advanced endpoint protection platforms with real-time host-based intrusion prevention strong email security filters and regular vulnerability should only be downloaded from trusted sources. In 2024, Microsoft reported revenues of $245.1 billion, a 15.67% year-over-year increase. Net income grew 22% to $88.1 billion, with earnings per share reaching $11.8. Year-to-date, Microsoft stock is down 15.88%, trading at $354.56. On April 7th, before Cyfirma's warning about Neptune RAT, Microsoft's stock dropped to $350.09 per share in the morning session, marking its lowest point in over a year. While it closed the session at $357.86 and showed some recovery on Tuesday morning, it still remains below its lowest level in more than 15 months. Even a milestone as significant as the 50th anniversary of one of the world's largest tech companies could not shield its stock from the market's reaction to the emerging cybersecurity threat and the ongoing impact of Trump's tariffs. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
