Windows
3 articles with this tag
Still on Windows 10? The security risks of running it after end of support
Windows 10 hit end of support on October 14, 2025. The core risk of staying is that newly found holes are never patched (forever-days) and pile up, making the machine a favored target. Consumer ESU is a one-year, security-only stopgap through October 13, 2026 (free enrollment routes exist, but the EEA free first year doesn't apply to most regions). The real fix is moving to Windows 11 or replacing the hardware — use ESU only as a bridge until that migration is done.
BitLocker vs 'Device encryption' — the same technology, full version vs automatic lite
BitLocker and Device encryption share the same encryption engine. Device encryption = the automatic, lite version that works on Home (auto-on with a Microsoft account, recovery key auto-escrowed, minimal options). BitLocker = the full version on Pro+ (startup PIN, external-drive encryption via To Go, fine control). For individuals, being auto-encrypted plus knowing where the recovery key is is usually enough. The state matters more than the name.
What is BitLocker — Windows disk encryption that protects data on a lost or stolen device
BitLocker is Windows' built-in disk encryption. It protects data when the PC is off or the drive is removed, turning a theft or loss into ciphertext. The big pitfall is the recovery key — lose it and you lock yourself out. It does not protect a running, logged-in PC, so pair it with a strong login and auto-lock.