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Secure Your PC After Windows 10 end of support (EOS): Top 5 Tips

Securing a Windows PC is crucial to protect it from malware, viruses, and unauthorized access, which can cause data breaches, identity theft, financial loss, and other security risks.

Steve Ballmer

April 11, 2025

Microsoft already announced Windows 10 will reach the end of support (EOS) on October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. According to StatCounter, 55% of users are still using Windows 10, and this leaves millions of PCs vulnerable to malware, ransomware and performance issues. If you’re sticking with Windows 10—whether due to incompatible hardware for Windows 11 or reliance on legacy apps your system can still serve you well. From robust antivirus to offline strategies, our top 5 tips will help you secure your Windows 10 system post end of support (EOS), keeping your data safe and your PC running smoothly.

What happens when Windows 10 support ends

After October 2025, Microsoft will stop patching Windows 10 vulnerabilities, like the recent CVE-2025-29824 driver flaw. Without patches, vulnerabilities like malware or ransomware can slip through, risking your files, passwords, and online accounts. Over time, apps may stop working as developers drop Windows 10 support, disrupting gaming, banking, or work.

It leaves the systems open to:

Malware Attacks: Hackers target unpatched PCs with ransomware or spyware.
Software Gaps: Apps may drop Windows 10 support, breaking compatibility.
Performance Hiccups: No bug fixes could lead to incompatibility, crashes or slowdowns.

While upgrading to Windows 11 or paying for Extended Security Updates (ESU) are options, many users can’t or won’t take those paths. Well, we have a few tried and tested tips below to lock down your Windows 10 PC without breaking the bank.

Install and Maintain a Trusted Antivirus

Without Microsoft’s patches, a strong antivirus is your first defense against viruses, trojans, and phishing scams targeting post End of support (EOS) systems.

Pick software like Bitdefender, Malwarebytes, or Kaspersky, which are known for high detection rates. Avoid free tools with weak real-time protection.
Open your antivirus app and turn on Real-time scanning in settings. Schedule weekly full scans (e.g., Sundays at 2 AM) for thorough checks.
Set Automatic updates to fetch new virus definitions daily. Manually check for updates before major downloads or browsing.

Antivirus Software — “© By sarayut_sy/Adobe Stock”

Perform a full system scan after installation or regularly. Quarantine any threats found (e.g., adware in temp folders).

Use the antivirus’s browser extension (if offered) to block malicious sites. Test by visiting a safe site like google.com to ensure no false positives.

Keep Software Updated

Apps like browsers, media players, and PDF readers will support Windows 10 longer than Microsoft, but only if you update them regularly to close security holes.

Open Chrome, Firefox, or Edge and go to Settings > About. Ensure it’s the latest
List the apps you use daily. Check their version in Help > About or settings.
Visit each app’s official site (e.g., Adobe) for downloads.
Open the Microsoft Store and click Library > Get updates for Store apps. Set to auto-update where possible.

In addition, Uninstall Unused apps or Software. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Remove outdated apps (e.g., Flash-based tools) that won’t get updates.

Run an antivirus scan after updates to catch lingering threats.

Strengthen Windows Firewall

Windows Defender Firewall blocks risky connections, a must when patches stop. Post-EOS, hackers may exploit open ports for attacks.

Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall. Ensure Firewall state is On for all profiles (Domain, Private, Public).
Click Advanced settings > Properties > Enable Notify me when Windows Firewall blocks a new app.

Block Inbound Connections

In Advanced settings, select Inbound Rules. For non-essential apps (e.g., old P2P tools), right-click > Properties > Block the connection.

Limit Outbound Access:

Go to Outbound Rules and create a new rule (New Rule). Block apps you don’t trust (e.g., unknown .exe files) from sending data.

Try accessing a trusted site (e.g., bbc.com) to ensure browsing isn’t blocked. Adjust rules if legitimate apps fail.

In Advanced settings, click Monitoring > Logging Settings > Customize. Set Log dropped packets to Yes and save logs to a folder (e.g., C:\FirewallLogs). Open logs in Notepad weekly to spot suspicious blocks (e.g., repeated port scans). Research IPs online if concerned.

Use a Standard User Account

Running Windows 10 as an admin post end of support gives malware free rein to install or delete files. A standard account limits damage, acting like a digital seatbelt.

Create and set up Standard Account

Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & Other Users.
Click Add someone else to this PC.
Choose I don’t have this person’s sign-in information > Add a user without a Microsoft account.
Enter a username (e.g., “SafeUser”) and a strong password (12+ characters).
Set type to Standard User in Control Panel > User Accounts > Manage Accounts.

Log in as admin and copy Documents, Pictures, etc., to C:\Users\SafeUser. Verify files open in the new account. Log into the standard account and install browsers or games. Use admin credentials only when prompted (e.g., for driver updates).

Log out and use the standard account daily. Try installing a random .exe—it should prompt for admin rights, proving limits.

Store admin credentials securely (e.g., password manager) for occasional needs.

Limit Online Exposure

After Windows 10 End Of Support, minimizing internet use reduces risks, especially for low-risk tasks like gaming or editing. Offline strategies keep hackers at bay.

Go Offline for Safe Tasks

List tasks like playing Skyrim, writing in Word, or editing photos that don’t need Wi-Fi. Dedicate sessions to these (e.g., Saturday gaming).
Click the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar and toggle Wi-Fi off. For Ethernet, unplug the cable or disable in Settings > Network & Internet > Ethernet.
Open Edge and try loading a site—it should fail, confirming no connection.

Use Safe Browsing Habits

Bookmark sites like netflix.com or steam.com; avoid links from emails or forums. Use Google’s Safe Browsing to check URLs if unsure.

Skip torrents or unofficial software—stick to the Microsoft Store or verified vendors. Scan all downloads with your antivirus before opening.

Explore Linux for High-Risk Tasks

Install Ubuntu or Linux Mint on a USB or partition for browsing or sensitive tasks. Download from Ubuntu and use Rufus to create a bootable drive. Follow Ubuntu’s setup wizard (~30 minutes) and test browsing. Move sensitive files to Linux for extra security.

Backup important data regularly

Unpatched Windows 10 risks data loss from malware or crashes. Regular backups saved a user’s photo collection after a ransomware scare.

Enable File History in Settings > Update & Security > Backup to save to an external drive.
Use OneDrive for cloud backups—upload Documents and Desktop weekly.
Test by restoring a file to confirm it’s intact.
Schedule monthly full backups to catch new files.

Monitor System Health

After Windows 10 end of support, glitches may signal infections or failing hardware.

Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and check Processes for unknown apps using >20% CPU.
Run Control Panel > Security and Maintenance to view alerts (e.g., disk errors).
Scan with antivirus if suspicious processes appear.
Log findings weekly to spot patterns.

In addition, System Protection creates restore points to recover Windows 10 from crashes or malware post-EOS. Go to Control Panel > System > System Protection, select your C: drive, click Configure, and enable Turn on system protection. Set Max Usage to 5-10% and create a restore point monthly.

BitLocker encrypts your drive, safeguarding data if your PC is stolen or hacked after EOS. Open Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption, select your drive, and click Turn on BitLocker. Follow prompts to set a password and save the recovery key to a USB or OneDrive. Verify the encryption status in BitLocker settings before relying on it.

Windows 10 Security Tips for 2025

Below is essential security solutions that you should know and follow in order to secure your Windows 10 computer.

Keep your system updated with the latest security patches
Use a reliable antivirus and enable Windows Security Firewall
Use strong and unique passwords for all your accounts and enable two-factor authentication where possible
Be cautious when downloading and installing software from the internet and avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening suspicious email attachments
Use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi
Disable unnecessary services and features to reduce attack surface
Backup your important data regularly to prevent data loss in case of a security breach