Hi,

Microsoft will cease updates on win 10 and windows defender on October 14, 2025.
Because of that you will no longer be protected by microsoft with windows defender as well as future os updates. Therefore, its best to upgrade to windows 11 or install linux mint.

Downgrading to windows 8.1 <> According to Microsoft Support, Support for Windows 8.1 is discontinued, but the software will continue to function. However, after January 10, 2023, your computer running Windows 8.1 will no longer receive security updates.

 

Jack:
It's way too early for you to get concerned about the loss of Windows 10 security and updates.
I'm guessing Windows 10 will follow the same path as Windows 7 and be safe to use beyond its EOL date.
Time will tell.
⌛

 

as my good colleague flavallee says - it is too early to say

I think, judging by what has occurred in the past is that Defender will still receive updates after 10 goes end of life
However there will NOT be a new base version of Defender issued for 10, as happens at this time - there will only be security definitions


The current defender situation is
the latest security intelligence update is:
Version: 1.401.1180.0
Engine Version: 1.1.23100.2009
Platform Version: 4.18.23100.2009
Released: 11/25/2023 4:28:56 PM
Latest security intelligence updates for Microsoft Defender Antivirus and other Microsoft antimalware - Microsoft Security Intelligence

What will happen to other aspects of windows security which is the overall name of protection on 10, of which Microsoft Defender is just one part - I do not know and as flavallee has said - it is definitely a wait and see.

If Microsoft go ahead as planned with 10 the updated Defender will protect you to some extent but NOT of course from the lack of security updates for the OS in general just as it does not now for 7 or 8

That said you without doubt have the right approach

I am careful with computing and had only one virus in the last 20 years, knowing that the safest AV protection is using common sense.

==================

Finally there are rumours that 10 may stay around a little longer, due to the vast number of computers that 11 cannot be installed on
However that is ONLY RUMOUR

 

Finally there are rumours that 10 may stay around a little longer, due to the vast number of computers that 11 cannot be installed on
However that is ONLY RUMOUR

Window 7 reached its EOL in January 2020.
It's rumored it will receive ESU and post-ESU updates until October 2024 or later.
Windows 10 will reach its EOL in October 2025.
It's my guess something similar will occur with it (primarily because of what you said).

 

It appears my guess was right about Windows 10.
Microsoft has decided to provide 3 years of post-End Of Life(EOL) support for Windows 10 - just like it did with Windows 7.
That means Windows 10 will receive Extended Security Updates(ESU) support until October 2028.
You can read about it HERE.
Several other sites have also posted an article about this.

 

The one thing though is that it will be a pay per support option that will have to be renewed every year for up to three years, unless Microsoft changes their tune and offers free support of Windows 10 updates for another three years. It is expected that the subscription cost will increase each year, and probably will not be a deal of any kind.

Jack

 

Well, the fact that Microsoft keeps updating Windows Defender for Windows 8.1, even after they stopped supporting the operating system, might mean they could do the same for Windows 10 after its support ends in 2025. This is important for people who want to keep their computers safe but aren't ready to switch to a new version of Windows right away.
I think Microsoft knows it's important to keep their products safe with basic security, even when they're not officially supporting them anymore. This helps protect everyone using Windows from viruses and online threats. Because Windows 10 is used by so many people, it makes sense that Microsoft might keep sending out updates for Windows Defender for a bit after 2025 to help keep those computers safe.

 

Windows 10 End of Support and Windows Defender

As of March 2, 2024, Microsoft is set to end free Monthly Windows Updates after October 14, 2025. A yearly pay per support option will extend updates for those customers for up to three additional years with an annual renewal fee that will increase each year. Microsoft's "Lifecyle Page" says that Windows 10 support will end in 2025.

It has been customary that Microsoft will stop providing new changes to the antivirus search engine following the end of support date. At the same time. the antivirus definitions could be extended automatically for several more years. Warnings will certainly pop-up if this is not the case. It is also noted that prior to Windows 10, Windows Defender was a separate, free, and full antivirus application separate from the Windows 10 Operating System. With the release of Windows 10, Windows Defender became a part of the Windows Security App. Whether or not anti-virus updates for Windows Defender continue or not could depend on many factors between now and October 14, 2025.

With Windows 10 holding at about 70% market share, Microsoft could change plans and make that three year paid update plan free for everyone. If this extension happens, updates, both monthly and security will continue. My plan will be to install Zero Patch whenever Windows 10 updates stop. If Windows Defender security updates remain, I will keep using Windows Defender as the daily definitions are the same for Windows 10 and Windows 11.

However, should Windows 10 definition updates for Windows Defender stop completely after October 14, 2025, or after any extended date, my plan will be to add Bit Defender Antivirus and Zero Patch to my security plan. Please be advised for upcoming ideas concerning staying safe online for Windows 10 users.

Jack

 

my plan will be to add Bit Defender Antivirus and Zero Patch to my security plan

Then it would be best to upgrade windows 10 to windows 11 and get free top notch security that is built-in to windows 11. Instead of buying third party security software.

 

You mentioned that people using Windows 8.1 are still getting updates for Defender, even though Windows 8.1 isn't supported anymore. This fits with how Microsoft usually does things. They tend to keep giving out security updates for their older systems to make sure they're not completely vulnerable, even if they're not updating anything else. So, based on that, Windows 10 users can probably expect to keep getting some updates for Defender after the main support ends.

 

So, based on that, Windows 10 users can probably expect to keep getting some updates for Defender after the main support ends.

None of that will continue, windows updates,patches,fixes, as well as security updates for microsoft defender will cease to exist at the end date of october 15 2025.