What to do as Windows 10 assist ends

Dire warnings from Microsoft pop up on computer systems going through the tip of safety updates for the favored Windows 10 working system. Photos by Scott Nesbitt

Chances are you’ve seen that electronic mail, and also you’re among the many 40% of PC customers who use Windows 10 at work and/or dwelling. Like me.  End-of-life day is Oct. 14, 2025. Free Windows 10 safety updates cease. Don’t panic. This shouldn’t be a money seize or a plot to promote new PCs (this doesn’t apply to Apple/Mac computer systems).

If some lingo on this article doesn’t jibe, speak along with your IT folks or favourite geek. I’ll use the time period “app” instead of “program” to save lots of area. 

Hack assaults are rising in quantity and energy. Those are all these phishing emails you get with bogus free prizes you’ve received. Don’t click on the hyperlinks.

Hardware known as Trusted Platform Module has been in PCs since 2003. Microsoft (MS) says earlier variations aren’t adequate. They favor TPM model 2 (2019 replace), paired with Windows 11’s security measures (a lot of that are geared toward massive networks, not stand-alone computer systems).

MS offers you free Windows 11 software program. Search the online for “PC Health Check,” and also you’ll get to a Microsoft web site. Follow the directions. But you might not qualify. There’s hope.

In late 2024, techie rebels rose in opposition to the TPMv2 edict and developed the “Flyby11” free app. Search YouTube for “Effortless Windows 11 Install on ANY PC” to get a plain-language video show-and-tell of how the method works — and the dangers.

Both strong state arduous drives are rated at 1 TB, however the smaller off-brand arduous drive began overheating and failed at an early age. Hardware upgrades make sense because the Oct. 14 deadline for Windows 10 approaches.

Assess how your computer systems are used. They can’t be hacked if they don’t seem to be on the web. Many medical and industrial machines use Windows XP or earlier working methods. You could also be simply advantageous preserving Windows 10, particularly if the rebels develop extra apps to beat the hackers. 

I exploit the PC Matic app. It blocks set up of any app not on a “whitelist.” So far, to my information, I’ve not been hacked. I’m cautious to learn the sender names on all emails. I hover the mouse cursor over any hyperlinks. Just now I received an electronic mail from somebody attempting to study our mortgage payoff quantity. Weird. I hit delete.  

As a pseudo-geek, as soon as paid for PC work, I’m ready for change and watching. Hackers might crack TPMv2. Windows 12 might come up. Rebels might develop apps that change the battlefield solely. 

My Windows 10 is on a 2014 Dell, a quick premium machine that’s nonetheless wonderful. When it got here off lease, somebody put in a brand new 1 TB strong state arduous drive and made a revenue at a sale value of $180 (together with delivery). 

I went to a software program web site I belief, www.majorgeeks.com, and received Belarc Advisor. It gave me 4 fine-print pages itemizing all of the innards of the pc, with fashions, variations and serial numbers of all {hardware} and software program. I do know what I’m working with.

I received a $60 brand-name 1TB strong state arduous drive and free AOMEI disk administration software program. I used it to make a clone of the failing el-cheapo, which I saved alive by preserving it cool with a small fan. Other free apps I may have used are Acronis, EaseUs or DiskGenius. I took an outdated 1 TB spinning-disk arduous drive and mounted it in a $25 exterior drive case. I make a contemporary clone each Saturday night time. It is able to save me after I return from church on Sunday, having prayed for dispensation from digital disasters. Amen. 

Scott R. Nesbitt is a contract author and former GCSAA employees member. He lives in Cleveland, Ga.