Count me in as a Never Win11 person

Clokwork

Later this year when updates cease for Win 10, it will be a sad day for security, but I will have to just put that PC in its own subnet/vlan and firewall it off from the rest because I am not going to win 11. Control panels used to give us many options to cater the experience to our needs, but windows 11 is not only tough on the eyes for me, they are also going down this bloat and AI route which I just don't care for (though that's the least of my worries).

I can only hope Linux picks up the ball and has drivers that are capable or being edited to help our eyes and brains. That is essentially the only path forward that I can think of. Apple or Microsoft surely don't seem the accommodating type regarding this. Same with most if not all GPU companies.

WhisperingWind

Clokwork

There's no need to be afraid of outdated systems (this doesn't mean you have to rush out and install Windows XP; everything is good in moderation 🙂). Some large state-owned enterprises still operate on legacy equipment (PCs, SCADA systems, machine tools, etc.).

You need a good antivirus (for example, ESET Internet Security, Kaspersky), a firewall and knowledge of the basics of security practices in any OS. Also, after EOL, do not use applications built into Windows 10, such as Edge or Mail; install third-party software for these tasks.

For the "full paranoia" level, I suggest installing Linux and keeping all sensitive information there, using Windows 10 only for gaming, watching videos, and reading forums, etc.

This is not 100% protection, as no system is 100% secure; risks always exist, they just need to be managed wisely. Especially in our case, when there may not be a real alternative in the Windows world for many more years.

Sunspark

You don't have to wall it off. If you want it to be easy, just turn off TPM in the BIOS.

Clokwork

Sunspark what does turning that off do?

Staycalmsyndrome

I believe that a 3-year Commercial ESU Program also exists for Windows 10 and can be activated with a little bit of research vs the 1-year Consumer one.

Clokwork

WhisperingWind sound advice!

daniels

WhisperingWind Very interesting, thank you.

Would installing Windows XP present significant security risks; that is, would you advise against it?

Whereas Windows 7 with good antivirus and firewall, and with good security practices, would be in practice relatively safe?

Where can one read about these good security practices besides antivirus and firewall?

And would there be frequent or occasional software compatibility issues with XP or Windows 7?

Sunspark

I don't care about updates, but you know what's funny, there's been so many ESU updates, that there is actually a compilation DVD of Windows 7 with updates up to January 2026 (no more now, this really is the end of the road of MS KBs but amazing that it had them for that long). There is one for Vista that goes up to 2025.

Sunspark

Clokwork Win 11 has a hard requirement that a TPM must be present before it can be installed through normal means. If it's off you will never be surprise-upgraded. The only way to install Win 11 on a system with TPM off is to manually modify the install process.

WhisperingWind

daniels

Would installing Windows XP present significant security risks; that is, would you advise against it?

Yes, it's an extreme risk. Strongly advise against it. Windows XP has received zero security updates since 2014.

Whereas Windows 7 with good antivirus and firewall, and with good security practices, would be in practice relatively safe?

Relatively safer than XP, but not truly safe. Its mainstream support ended in 2020.

Where can one read about these good security practices besides antivirus and firewall?

I can't suggest a specific article, you'll need to Google it.

You can find some information at https://www.ncsc.gov.uk, https://chat.deepseek.com/share/k6rv8umv5qlvltft5m

And would there be frequent or occasional software compatibility issues with XP or Windows 7?

I use a Mac. I haven't worked with older Windows versions for a very long time, so I can't say for sure. But I think not everything will work on Windows XP. Install Windows 10 22H2, it should be fine, or try Linux Mint.

daniels

WhisperingWind Thanks very much. When you say that Windows 10 22H2 should be fine, do you mean that it ought to trigger fewer symptoms than Windows 10 1607 (for example), and should be as, or almost as tolerable as XP or Windows 7?

WhisperingWind

daniels

I can't say anything about Windows 10 1607, XP, or Windows 7 in terms of eye comfort. But Windows 10 22H2 doesn't tire my eyes, though I don't use Windows very often.

You just need to choose the right GPU and monitor. I use an AMD RX 6600 Sapphire Pulse, but UHD 630 (i9-9900K) and UHD 730 (i5-12400) are also OK. However, choosing a monitor is much more complicated for me.