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Still on Windows 10? I installed 0patch on my old PC, and it's easily the best defense in the 'End of Support' era

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0patch ZDNET's key takeaways 0patch costs about $30 per year for its Pro plan, and includes a free tier that provides zero-day patches.

It's easy to install and runs quietly in the background, automatically applying updates the moment they come in.

Some users have reported performance issues after installing patches. View now at 0patch

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In early 2023, Microsoft announced that it would end all official support for Windows 10 in 2025, giving users just over two years to migrate to Windows 11. As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft officially ceased regular updates and security patches for Windows 10, marking the end of its 10-year run, while leaving millions of users seeking alternatives.

Also: New laptop? How to wipe your old Windows PC clean before getting rid of it

Some reluctantly upgraded to Windows 11, while others switched to Linux. Many signed up for Microsoft's Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU), a $ 30-per-year plan that delivers official security fixes for the system. However, the ESU service will stop later this year in October, putting Win 10 users back at square one.

Fortunately, there is another path -- 0patch is a software service designed to keep systems protected for years to come.

What is 0patch?

0patch is a Europe-based third-party security company that specializes in delivering micropatches for Windows 10. As the name suggests, a micropatch is a tiny update that addresses a single, specific vulnerability. That might not sound like much, but these patches are released frequently, forming a powerful safety net.

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