Windows 10 Free Privacy and Security Guide

General
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10 AGAIN NEW LOGO
10 AGAIN NEW LOGO1024×1024 68.3 KB

Let’s be real. Windows is a mess, and keeps getting worse. However, millions of people still want or need to use this operating system for a variety of valid reasons. With security support ending last year, I wanted to create a beginner friendly guide for how to win on Windows…specifically, how to stick with Windows 10 and avoid shelling out more cash to Microsoft. That guide originally appeared on XmrBazaar, but I’m now posting an updated version free of charge for the Privacy Guides community.

Everyone is at a different place in their privacy journey. I see a lot of folks asking “explain like I’m five”. Others who’ve been in the game longer are seeking options they haven’t considered. 10 Again is my attempt to cover some of the most important bases for making Windows reasonably private and secure (no small task). Most of the options are free, open source, and vetted by experts in this space.

So if you’re on Windows or know someone who is, take a look and maybe you’ll find something helpful. :slightly_smiling_face:

10 AGAIN.pdf (7.8 MB)

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It’s sheer foolishness to be running an outdated OS.

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Not trying to belittle your effort but not getting security patches anymore overrules all other arguments. You cannot have privacy on an insecure OS.

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@Blackbird @Valynor the PDF @Wings links gives multiple ways to receive security updates while still using Windows 10.

Not sure I would agree with the methods offered though, 0patch seems especially dubious at a quick glance.

All-in-all this post / pdf is mostly the same regurgitated methods of holding onto Windows 10 (typically via piracy).

Usually I hate when people offer switching to Linux as the solution but at this point, you are doing just as much work trying to hold onto what was a bad OS.

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It doesn’t magically make the old one secure.

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It makes it as secure as it was before EOL…the security patches are the security patches, im not sure what the new issue is.

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If you’re stuck with Windows, the least you can do is always run the most current version.

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I don’t neccssarilary disagree but there are legitimate versions of Windows 10 with extended security updates. I don’t see those being any less secure then the current versions of Windows 11. Unless there is something you think I am missing…

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The first thing that comes to mind is somewhat outdated hardware..

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They most likely only backport high and critical severity patches. A string of unpatched low or medium severity exploits can still be dangerous.

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You actually sold this? It’s just a PDF telling people to switch to IoT Enterprise LTSC. Did anyone really buy it?

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The problem isn’t just the patches, but also the new security features that Windows 10 doesn’t have and will never get.

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I don’t think it’s wrong for selling the guide, because that’s what I am doing as a technician as well.

But installing an outdated OS that you need to use LTSC for? Remember that the borderline here is without security, privacy is at risk.

Also, did you really suggest pirating a copyrighted software in the PDF?

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Linux is far more private and

secure

Uhhhhh…. Linux is not more secure. It is the least secure of the three operating systems you mentioned. Madaidan has a great site you should check out to read more.

Stick with Windows 10, but get FREE security updates

through 0patch or upgrade to one of their paid plans for more

coverage.

Don’t rely on this for any sensitive devices. Only high and critical severity patches are actually back ported. You’re exposing yourself to the risk of a string of medium or low level exploits being chained together.

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Dear intelligent reader, ignore the ignorance and FUD above. This guide is free. Read it and make up your own mind. Eat the fish, spit out the bones. Knowledge is power. Thank me later.

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I read this 10 page PDF for you, dear reader:

TL;DR: author makes an argument for continuing to use Windows10. Offers privacy & security tips. Includes a disclaimer, in bold:

Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. Not receiving monthly security updates puts your operating system at severe risk

1.5 pages: general introduction

1 page: options to secure Windows10:

  • Paying for extended security updates
  • 0patch - a closed-source company that offers an alternative source for security patches. I can’t speak for or against them, I am not too familiar

2.5 pages are spent detailing a, ehm, alternative source for Windows10, one that we will not discuss on a Discourse-hosted server. I am unfamiliar with these tools, though I offer a general caution to users against running software from unverified sources

2.5 pages of pretty solid privacy advice. Mentions tools like Veracrypt, the three PG VPN recommendations, some trustworthy browsers, strong password managers, and a pitch for FOSS software

1.5 pages of good advice + a couple tool recommendations I can’t personally vouch for:

  • Disable native AI, pitches NanoGPT & Venice
  • Disable telemetry, pitches 4 debloat tools (O&O Shutup10/AppBuster, HiBit Uninstaller, W10 Privacy)
  • Use Windows Defender, which you absolutely should. Offers a number of ‘second-pass’ options I won’t bother listing, you should not need anything more than Defender, AppGuard, & a VM

1 page conclusion + additional resources

It’s a guide for folks who find themselves unable to ditch windows. I’m not personally swayed by the proposals to continue using Windows10 post-EOL, but the subsequent privacy & hardening tips are pretty decent. I’ll probably be looking into some of the recommended tools I was unfamiliar with

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