Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10, but users still have a small reason to breathe easy. Even though the operating system will no longer receive feature or security updates, Microsoft Defender will continue to offer protection for now.
The company confirmed that Defender will keep getting updates “to the extent possible” on Windows 10. This means the antivirus will still receive new virus definitions and security improvements. However, if a new security feature relies on something that only exists in Windows 11, it will not work on Windows 10. So, while Defender will continue to protect users, it will not be as strong as on newer systems.
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For users who rely on the built-in Defender Antivirus, Microsoft also said that security intelligence updates will continue until October 2028. This ensures that Windows 10 users still receive the latest malware detection updates for several years, even without full system support.
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Still, Microsoft strongly advises everyone to upgrade to Windows 11 for better protection. Those who cannot upgrade can choose the Extended Security Update (ESU) program, which continues to deliver official security patches for a few more years.
Windows 10 remains one of the most widely used operating systems in the world, and millions of PCs are still running it. With Microsoft ending regular updates, continuing Defender support is a welcome step — but it’s only a temporary safety net. For full protection and long-term security, moving to Windows 11 is now the best option.
