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