ZDNET review: 0patch offers Windows 10 micropatches, Pro about $30/year

ZDNET tested 0patch, a Europe-based third-party security company that delivers micropatches for Windows 10, installing the free version on a Windows 10 laptop. The review comes after Microsoft ceased regular updates and security patches for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, leaving users seeking alternatives.

0patch produces targeted “micropatches” that address single vulnerabilities and distributes them when information about flaws becomes public. Co-founder Mitja Kolsek told the reviewer the company has "limited control over the influx of vulnerability information" and that users can expect about two to three micropatches per month on average; the reviewer received four patches over four months (October 23, December 26, December 27 and January 13).

The service applies patches automatically via a background agent, shows patch and protection status on a dashboard, and lets users disable the agent or individual patches. The free tier focuses on zero-day fixes for critical vulnerabilities, while the paid Pro plan adds post‑End‑of‑Service and legacy patches.

ZDNET noted that 0patch updates are known to cause performance issues in some cases, citing compatibility problems with Avast and reports of random crashes, though the reviewer found the micropatches lightweight and saw no meaningful impact in Geekbench 6 tests. Pro costs €25 per year (about $30) with a 30‑day trial; an Enterprise plan is €35 per year (about $40).

Key Topics

Tech, Microsoft, Mitja Kolsek, Avast, Extended Security Updates