I have Windows 10 on my HP top of the range computer that is 8 years old and Avast Premium Security. I am happy to pay for additional Avast security for my Win 10, but if I did so, how secure would this package be after October compared to Win 11, as I’m reluctant to buy a new computer when my existing HP is perfect.
First, I’m an Avast user and not an Avast Team member.
Unlike Microsoft, Avast’s continued support for Windows 10 isn’t likely to die when Microsoft ceases support.
I’m also using Windows 10 and no immediate plans to jump to Win11, however it is likely to be sooner rather than later my old laptop is showing its age RAM and CPU wise.
I have been using Avast Free for over 21 years now from very early windows versions through to Win 10. Support has usually lasted a couple of years after MS kills support. However like in life no guaranties.
Im in the same boat. got a 12 year old gaming laptop which is still faster than my new win 11 laptop that i hate and have only used 3 times. OS is crap in my opinion.
As david has mentioned i dont think Avast will end support for win 10 but then we will not have the microsoft security updates and hackers and scammers are getting much more clever especialy with AI helping them.
I think my goal was to update to Linux on an old vista 32 bit pc to try that first then update the win 10 to Linux 64 bit or bottle it and pay for the extra years security one off payment to microsoft. I think they should be held accountable for the mass hundreds of millions of laptops that could end up in landfil.
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I sent a reply from my cell phone, but I’ll repeat it here so it’s on the forum.
I have tried to get a response from Avast, as I’m a paying customer, but alas, no response. I’m also interested in trying Linux and have an older PC with Win 7, so I may try it on this machine. Please keep me posted if you try Linux. Can anyone tell me why Linux is secure and MS isn’t. I’m not a computer expert and only use it for home.
I used to build my own custom desktop systems, but then I got a little lazy, I still have my last very old Desktop Monster. That with time and effort a new power system, motherboard, RAM, CPU, Drives, etc. etc it would be as good as new. Because the only thing not to change being the case.
The old saying goes, I’ve had this brush for 30 years only 3 new handles and 6 heads, but a great brush.
My wife is in the same situation as you. She used to build her own systems but now just buys HP, which she hasn’t done for over 10 years, so she has the same problem as me.
honestly after October Win 10 won’t get security updates, so even with Avast it’s still risky long term. Antivirus helps but can’t patch system vulnerabilities. If your PC runs fine, you could look into Win 11 upgrade compatibility tools or consider Linux if you’re confident, otherwise a new PC might be safest down the line.
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I’ve read several articles where individuals have ‘patched’ a non-compatible Win 10 machine to accept Win 11, but I wonder if this is safe, as without the magic Win 11 chips inside I doubt if your old PC would be protected. Please correct me if I’m wrong.
Personally such hacks are in the long term likely to be detected by Microsoft Windows.
That said, whilst this is likely to reduce the risk, you could end up with a block.
I’m certainly in no rush to jump on the Win11 bus, I have to ask if what is in it is worth the hassle of switching. I remember the long and painful road after switching to Win10 from Win7 and all before.
Backing up and or Retaining, existing programs (might not be compatible) and data can be a pain to transfer to the new OS.
Just to add to this old post from my previous above.
Ive still not got around to trying to load linux yet but maybe i wont have too.
as your on win 10 check your windows update page. a few weeks ago it changed and gave me the option to upgrade for 1 year for free. BUT the catch is you have to log in with a microsoft account and sync all your data to be saved in the cloud. my pc was set to a local account and i have never synced to the microsoft cloud and never set up a cloud account.
It let me upgrade and my account does not show local account anymore but luckily i didnt have to sync to the cloud either.
so worth a look.
just search windows updates and make sure all the patches are updated. then at top of page there should be a link to join the extended updates for free.