Windows 10 EOL notes

[Ivanhoe]

 

I haven't tried the following procedure just yet, but it looks OK;

https://danielmhoyt.wordpress.com/2025/10/04/get-your-windows-11-license-while-its-still-free-even-if-you-plan-to-stay-on-windows-10/

If you are going to upgrade to Win11 sooner or later, you can get a Win11 Pro license rather cheap;

https://store.nypost.com/sales/microsoft-windows-11-pro-7

$9.97USD

• Length of access: lifetime
• Redemption deadline: redeem your code within 30 days of purchase
• Access options: desktop
• Max number of device(s): 1 (non-transferable)
• Version: Windows 11 Pro
• Updates included

The "non-transferable" clause probably means you'll need a new license if you upgrade your system too much. That said, if you rebuild your system annually, $10/yr for non-transferable licenses is far cheaper than a $200 perpetual license (at least up to 20 years!). 

Of course, if you use the product key to license Win11 on a VirtualBox or KVM virtual machine, your virtual hardware rarely needs changing. 

 

[Ivanhoe]

Full disclosure; I have not yet checked these people out yet. I will, when time permits. 

https://0patch.com/pricing.html

Zero-day Win10 patches free for personal use. No free coverage of Office 2xxx

https://www.pcmag.com/news/microsoft-kills-windows-10-support-how-to-get-it-free-for-another-year

Quote

The good news for Windows 10 users, however, is that they can continue using Office apps (Microsoft 365) for three additional years. But even during this period, they will only receive security updates instead of new features, bug fixes, or comprehensive tech support.