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Windows 10 is DEAD in 2025? — Here’s How I Run It SAFELY Forever (No Updates)
YouTube.com ^ | 11/05/2025 | Rob Braxman Tech

Posted on 11/06/2025 9:34:09 PM PST by E. Pluribus Unum

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(Transcribed by TurboScribe.ai. Go Unlimited to remove this message.)


TOPICS: Computers/Internet
KEYWORDS: computers; microsoft; windows; windows10

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To: Openurmind

Inter3sting. Hadnt heard of doing that before. Will have to look into that


101 posted on 11/07/2025 8:21:36 AM PST by Bob434 (Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana)
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To: Tired of Taxes

Thanks a million.
Got one more year now to decide what to do!


102 posted on 11/07/2025 8:22:51 AM PST by Repeal The 17th (Get out of the matrix and get a real life.)
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To: kenmcg

“His solution to install Linux to work side by side with Windows 10 is above my paygrade.”

Actually, the Linux installation app does it all for you. All you have to do is select “Install Alongside” and it will partition, format, and volume label everything for you as part of the installation. It will automatically create three partitions, correctly format them, and connect them all together for you as part of the install.

They have actually made it pretty automated and painless for folks... :)


103 posted on 11/07/2025 8:25:55 AM PST by Openurmind (AI - An Illusion for Aptitude Intrusion to Alter Intellect. )
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To: Repeal The 17th

Glad to hear it worked!


104 posted on 11/07/2025 8:29:19 AM PST by Tired of Taxes
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To: dennisw

Or even a 128 gig stick... That is actually quite a bit of storage for a portable stick... :)

The great thing is, very few Linux Distros are over 2 gigs... A fully loaded Mint Cinnamon with all the bells and whistles is barely over 2 gigs. With what? 4 gigs for the Swap volume? It is still only 6 gigs and the rest is portable storage in a small package.

But along with these I also have larger external hard drives. One is 2 Tb and no bigger than a Cell phone. I just stay away from Videos when on the smaller sticks and they will hold quite a bit of data.


105 posted on 11/07/2025 8:38:41 AM PST by Openurmind (AI - An Illusion for Aptitude Intrusion to Alter Intellect. )
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To: Saintgermain

Please see post #81 in this thread.


106 posted on 11/07/2025 8:40:58 AM PST by Nervous Tick (Hope, as a righteous product of properly aligned Faith, IS in fact a strategy.)
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To: fireman15

Can you upgrade Windows 10 Pro to Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2021 LTSC? Or does it require a new install?


107 posted on 11/07/2025 8:45:30 AM PST by jaydubya2
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To: Bob434
"i wonder though if you link to ms account, then temove the account after gerting free year if they will cut you off from the year of updates?"

Good question. I don't know. I've found some older information that says the updates won't be cut off. But I don't know whether those sources are trustworthy, and even if they are, I don't know whether that information is still true now...?

108 posted on 11/07/2025 8:47:02 AM PST by Tired of Taxes
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To: Bob434

I’m mobile on the road all the time. So in order to have internet for my Computer when I need it, even in the middle of nowhere camping, I buy pay as you go burn phones with a good data plan and use it’s connection to the net as a modem. I can tether with a cable, or hotspot with wireless to the phone from my laptop.

But I usually tether because it charges my phone at the same time when my laptop is plugged in. That way I can turn off the wireless on both and close off any third parties. That is my only internet service and access and it works fine anywhere my phone will work and I have service. :)


109 posted on 11/07/2025 8:47:56 AM PST by Openurmind (AI - An Illusion for Aptitude Intrusion to Alter Intellect. )
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To: Openurmind

How much space is needed for Win 10 11on a flash drive? For best flash drive get a Samsung bar plus..... 17.99 for 128gb and 3$ less for 64gb


110 posted on 11/07/2025 8:54:02 AM PST by dennisw (There is no limit to human stupidity )
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To: Bob434
"wouldnt it be way easier to put a shortcut on ypur desktop to the network connedtions app and simply disable the itnernet completely? Thus oreventing any online activity at all?"

I wish I knew. I've been trying to think of ways to avoid Windows 11 myself. I hate Microsoft for what they're doing. But I'm glad to have another year to figure out what to do.

111 posted on 11/07/2025 9:05:10 AM PST by Tired of Taxes
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To: dennisw

Honestly, I don’t know what Win 11 is. But the last I knew several years ago Win 10 was around 20 Gigs... So if you are going to make a Windows stick I would go with larger the better... I don’t know how easy it is to do with Windows, Not a Windows guy anymore. Been with Linux the last ten years... I know it is fairly east to do with Linux for sure.

But here are some advantages of making one with Linux instead of Windows. First it is uncontrolled and it is yours, It is more secure for browsing the net and downloading, And they make great rescue sticks in case a Windows system goes down. Unless the hard drive is completely toast you can boot into a Linux drive and go into Windows and save all your important files off to the Linux stick, or even off to other target USB drives.

For that last reason alone EVERYONE should have a standalone Linux stick, even if they would rather use Windows as a regular system on their box. MS is going to make you erase and reinstall your drive and you will lose everything. The Linux stick will save the day and let you go grab all those folders and data off first before you do.


112 posted on 11/07/2025 9:06:47 AM PST by Openurmind (AI - An Illusion for Aptitude Intrusion to Alter Intellect. )
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To: Tired of Taxes

thnaks, I’ll see what i can find, if anything


113 posted on 11/07/2025 9:09:36 AM PST by Bob434 (Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana)
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To: Openurmind

“And they make great rescue sticks in case a Windows system goes down”

Not if your Windows is encrypted via bit locker... though maybe Linux rescue USB will work if you have your bi-locker password handy.


114 posted on 11/07/2025 9:11:41 AM PST by dennisw (There is no limit to human stupidity )
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To: E. Pluribus Unum
I am quite sure this involves breaking the law, I mean violating MS license. And as regards,
Many of you now think that the best option is just to stick with Windows 10, even though it is classified as end-of-life by Microsoft. End-of-life means you will not get security updates. I know that for $30 you can get an extra year of security updates from Microsoft, but after that, zero.

Microsoft has now announced that Windows 10 users can continue to get security updates until October 13, 2026, without having to pay the $30 fee to enroll in the Extended Security Updates programme. You must be running Microsoft Windows 10, version 22H2 Home, Professional, Pro Education or Workstations edition. You must have the latest Windows update installed. You must be signed in as an administrator. (https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2025/11/03/microsoft-confirms-free-windows-10-security-updates---how-to-get-them/)

115 posted on 11/07/2025 9:14:33 AM PST by daniel1212 (Turn 2 the Lord Jesus who saves damned+destitute sinners on His acct, believe, b baptized+follow HIM)
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To: Openurmind

thnaks for the info- didn’t think about tethering w/ cable- that would be cool instead of mucking around with wireless- I get open wireless downtown when eatign breakfast/lunch, which i do every mornin-, but of course that is a security nightmare- but do use a vpn and it’s on android tablet- so a little more secure- sometimes though can’t get in a spot where i can pick up the wireless from the town boathouse- so tried doing hotspot connection to tracfone, but it ran through the data pretty quick- so stopped using that- would be nice not to have to use the open wifi-


116 posted on 11/07/2025 9:15:38 AM PST by Bob434 (Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana)
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To: Nervous Tick

Thank you very much!


117 posted on 11/07/2025 9:19:21 AM PST by Saintgermain ( )
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To: jaydubya2

Windows 10 Pro to Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2021 LTSC image is here>>>>
https://archive.org/details/en-us_windows_10_iot_enterprise_ltsc_2021_x64_dvd_257ad90f_202301


118 posted on 11/07/2025 9:31:08 AM PST by dennisw (There is no limit to human stupidity )
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To: dennisw

Thank you sir!


119 posted on 11/07/2025 9:32:16 AM PST by jaydubya2
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To: jaydubya2

Can you upgrade Windows 10 Pro to Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2021 LTSC? Or does it require a new install?

Supposedly the OS needs a new install, but this is not true. Nearly every install that I have done has been on top of the previous Windows 10 install. But you have to use a minor modification in your registry to do this.

First watch this video that tells how to do it for the version that lasts only a couple of extra years, https://youtu.be/rWxGfxXLRFU , then return to my directions because there are a couple of important modifications to his registry configuration:

The obvious solution to the Windows 10 End of Life Event is for people who prefer their current Windows 10 installation is to install Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2021 LTSC. I have advocated this before but it usually goes in one ear and out the other of 99% of people posting here. There are cheaper license providers, but I have purchased most of mine from https://www.gamers-outlet.net/en/buy-windows-10-iot-enterprise-ltsc-cd-key-microsoft-global. I have used https://www.gamers-outlet.net/ for years and never been burned by them. There is always a 10% off coupon if you search for one using the Google search terms... gamers-outlet 10% discount code.

I did manage to get 20% off a couple of times, but usually anything over 10% does not work.

The following project is not difficult to figure out if you watch the video at https://youtu.be/rWxGfxXLRFU . This guy deserves most of the credit; he has 877,000 followers and puts out a lot of good videos. But use the values below instead of the ones that he recommends or your license will expire in a couple of years and not in 2032.

This will take you at least a couple of hours and maybe more because I recommend backing up your system hard drive first, and because of all the updates that will end up being installed. But you will end up with a system that most people will not be able to distinguish from what they are currently running right now. Not having to reinstall everything in many of my machines is definitely worth a little extra effort.

Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2021 LTSC is a stripped-down version of Windows 10 21H2. The latest version of Windows 10 is 22H2. There are essentially no differences between 21H2 and 22H2 that any normal user will notice. But there are many features and a whole lot of crap that are left out as compared to a normal install of Windows 11 Pro. With this method all the crap along with extra features will be installed. The first three installations that I did, were done completely clean from the original Microsoft ISO file. I added the features that I wanted included by using PowerDesk scripts. This worked fine and if you are someone who doesn’t mind getting their hands a little dirty diving into Windows or Linux operating systems... it may be the best way to go for you. BUt you are also going to have to reinstall nearly all of your applications that you like to use.

A clean install is the only way that the vast majority of users are aware of to get Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2021 LTSC working on their computer. The normal install routine will not allow you to upgrade an already installed Windows 10 installation. But I have found that with a few very minor edits to the Windows 10 registry that it installs without any real problems. The primary issue is that it takes considerably longer than doing a clean install... This is because it will re-install basically every update that Microsoft has released in the last 4 years and give you access to your already installed applications.

The following is how I have installed Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2021 LTSC on the last few Windows 10 computers that friends, family and I want to continue using Windows 10 on while being hooked up to the internet after October 14. This creates a system that is virtually indistinguishable to most users from the Windows 10 installation that they currently have installed on their computer only it will likely run a little faster. It does involve purchasing a license online. I am not associated with any of the mostly shady operators who sell license keys. I would advise using Paypal or a “virtual credit card” to pay for the place even with the place I have purchased many licenses from over the years... Gamers-Outlet. I should mention that Gamers-Outlet always has 10% disount codes available that you can search for using Google or DuckDuckGo, so this “project” costs right around $21.

I obviously do not offer any guarantees that Micorosoft will not pull something to put an end to this workaround that helps to prevent users from being forced to upgrade to Windows 11. As the deadline gets closer the demand for license keys whatever their origin will no doubt increase despite the lack of advertising and good info.

1. Download the ISO file and save it somewhere where you can find it again but preferably on a second drive installed in your computer. A fast removable drive or SD Card that is large enough to hold a 4.5GB iso file will work also. The file that you download should be called:
en-us_windows_10_iot_enterprise_ltsc_2021_x64_dvd_257ad90f.iso

It is available from a link that license key providers such as Gamers Outlet will provide you with, but it can also be found at archive.org and other places:
https://archive.org/search?query=en-us_windows_10_iot_enterprise_ltsc_2021_x64_dvd_257ad90f.iso

You should check the file from whichever source you choose with a Hash Viewer. You do this by using one of the free HASH checkers available from the Microsoft store... search for Hash Viewer. After you have installed Hash Viewer (MD5, SHA1, ...) load the file into it and it. After it has completed it’s calculations you can copy and paste the following hashes into the verify box and see if it finds any discrepancies.

File list :: Operating Systems :: Windows 10, version 21H2 [19044.1288] (Updated October 2021) ::
English :: en-us_windows_10_iot_enterprise_ltsc_2021_x64_dvd_257ad90f.iso
File: en-us_windows_10_iot_enterprise_ltsc_2021_x64_dvd_257ad90f.iso
Family: Operating Systems
Version: Windows 10, version 21H2 [19044.1288] (Updated October 2021)
Language: English - (EN)
CRC-32: 188c9d0d
MD5: 2463b19beac328290e6a8adcedb7533a
SHA-1: 76c3c10e38307d29fd8b4748522ed144dba35829
SHA-256: a0334f31ea7a3e6932b9ad7206608248f0bd40698bfb8fc65f14fc5e4976c160
SHA-512: 640942d93daf8cd183d06e35d5d753a4b93c952c3196c3e3fa7876295b39d8bfef5df8ef2a3b420b5247905fe396606f94ccf093982ee999e503d09e69850143
SHA3-256: 33bacaa70b78abcf4969fa0f6219a5cad7dd4d49c9b975ddadc8b15658d17d48
SHA3-512: 03e3a8e34a79363235aaf91333cb3afa4927feb0b1f1cf212e6cf4a70c54cbe7ab367fafb6143e6057dac00e407c1b661cb0e2511f7eadb4562c49d0ee606a4e
Size: 4.518 GB (4851668992 bytes)

2. Next scan your current Windows 10 installation for errors: Use your search bar or icon next to the Windows 10 icon on your taskbar and search for Command Prompt. Choose to run it as an administrator. Enter the following command into the command line: sfc /scannow
It will likely find a few errors and correct them. When this is done run another command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
After this command has finished reboot your computer. (turn it off and on using the shutdown option when you click on the Windows Icon at the lower left corner of your screen.)

3. Then Make an image of your primary hard drive, SSD, or NVME preferably to a second drive installed in the computer. My prefered tool for this is Macrium Reflect Free, but there are many other free programs that work just fine as well.

4. Then Watch this video, https://youtu.be/rWxGfxXLRFU . It explains what you will be doing better than I can here. Follow the steps that he shows in the video... But do not use the regestry values that he recommends... use the following values instead to install it as an IoT version which will get updates until 2032.

The following will take just a couple minutes. But I will warn you... back up your registry first, and if you do not end up doing the upgrade the changes you make will probably screw your computer up in some way. So, if you do not complete the following steps... restore your registry back to its original values.

5. Go to the search box on your taskbar like you did for the command prompt and search for regedit.

As shown in the video run regedit as an administrator and navigate to...
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion

now change to the values to the new ones listed below by double clicking on the Key Names:
Key Name = New Value

CompositionEditionID = IoTEnterpriseS

CurrentBuild =19044

CurrentBuildNumber = 19044

DisplayVersion = 21H2

EditionID = IoTEnterpriseS

ProductName = Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021

ReleaseId = 2009

6. After that you can mount and run the ISO from within your Windows 10 computer.

If you purchase your license key from a provider like Gamers-Outlet they provide a link to the ISO file. Download the ISO and copy it preferably to your 2nd drive but a USB drive will work as well. The ISO file cannot be run from the drive that you are currently running Windows on. Do not bother preparing a bootable drive. Go to wherever you saved the ISO file using Windows Explorer right click on it and choose “mount”. Then go to the simulated DVD drive that will show up and double click on setup.

You may have to choose the option to keep your files and programs but I have not had to do this. If you do not want to keep your files and programs you can click on the button that allows you to review what you want to keep. If it already says that it is going to keep your files and programs and you click on the button to review your decision expect to wait several minutes.

If you are doing a clean install from a bootable USB stick the process of installing like most instructions in videos and directions found online like I did on my first three installs it does not not take very long. But depending on how much stuff you have installed in your Windows 10 system installing over the top of it can take a long time to complete.

The first time that the computer shuts down it may try to look for the simulated drive that you ran setup from and gie you an error message. Turning the computer off and on this should fix this problem. If it does not you might have to go into your “bios” or “UEFI” to change the boot settings. This varies a little from system to systembut is not difficult.

After you have waited quite a while for update after update is installed and it looks like your about done be prepared for more updates, and then more updates after that. You will eventually be stuck on a blue page for quite a while that says that more updates are in progress “Please keep your device on”. You will start thinking that the computer is screwed up, but just wait and wait and wait, and eventually you will get a counter showing the percentage left. It will appear to boot up, but you will get a blank screen that lasts for a long time. EVentually the counter will resume at about the number that you saw last. It will eventually get to 100% then it wills eventually boot up and come to a familiar page.

8. When you do decide you are ready for more waiting install the cumulative updates search for Windows Update in the search box. Scan and choose to install them all... two will fail.

KB5055682 NET Framework 4.8 and 4.81
KB5010472 NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8

They will give you error code 0x80070570

9. Search for NET Framework 4.8 and 4.81 and then NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8 in Grok.com and it will tell you how to install them manually.

After everything is installed you need to perform one more step... And that is once again checking your system for errors. Here are those directions again:
Use your search bar or icon next to the Windows 10 icon on your taskbar and search for Command Prompt. Choose to run it as an administrator. Enter the following command into the command line: sfc /scannow
It will likely find a few errors and correct them. When this is done run another command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
After this command has finished reboot your computer. (turn it off and on using the shutdown option when you click on the Windows Icon at the lower left corner of your screen.)

After that your system should look and feel the same as it did to begin with and it likely will perform a little better


120 posted on 11/07/2025 9:32:53 AM PST by fireman15
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