0patch offers micropatches to keep Windows 10 secure after Microsoft updates end

A ZDNET review says Europe-based security firm 0patch delivers targeted micropatches to help protect Windows 10 systems after Microsoft officially ceased regular updates and security patches for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. 0patch creates tiny, focused updates for specific vulnerabilities when information about those flaws becomes public.

The company’s co-founder said 0patch has limited control over the influx of vulnerability information and on average users can expect about two to three micropatches per month; the reviewer received four patches over four months. The free tier supplies zero-day patches, while the Pro plan adds post-End-of-Service and legacy patches that 0patch says are needed to fully protect Windows 10 22H2.

The reviewer found the app easy to install and use: a background agent automatically applies micropatches, a dashboard shows active protections, and individual patches or the agent can be disabled. The reviewer’s Geekbench tests showed no meaningful performance impact, but ZDNET noted 0patch updates are known to cause performance and compatibility issues in some cases, including conflicts with Avast and random crashes; patches can be disabled and uninstalling the service removes all patches.

ZDNET said Microsoft’s paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) will end in October and noted ESU patches will only be available until October 2026, which affects how useful the free 0patch tier is on its own.

Key Topics

Tech, Microsoft, Extended Security Updates, Micropatch, Avast