For many Windows enthusiasts, the end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, looms as a bittersweet milestone. Microsoft’s decision to cease updates and security patches for this beloved operating system means millions of users will face a critical choice: upgrade to Windows 11, stick with an unsupported OS, or find creative ways to keep using Windows 10 safely. One of the most effective and tech-savvy solutions is virtualization—running Windows 10 in a virtual machine (VM). This approach not only preserves access to legacy software but also shields your primary system from potential security risks. In this deep dive, we’ll explore how to keep Windows 10 secure post-end of support using virtual machines, break down the tools and steps involved, and analyze the benefits and challenges of this strategy for Windows users.

Why Virtual Machines Are a Viable Solution for Windows 10

When an operating system reaches the end of support, Microsoft stops delivering security updates, bug fixes, and technical assistance. For Windows 10, this cutoff means vulnerabilities discovered after October 2025 will remain unpatched, making systems running the OS prime targets for malware, exploits, and cyberattacks. According to StatCounter, as of late 2023, Windows 10 still commands a significant market share—over 65% of desktop Windows installations—indicating a vast number of users may not immediately transition to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations, cost, or personal preference.

Running Windows 10 in a virtual machine offers a compelling workaround. A VM is essentially a software-based emulation of a computer system, allowing you to run an isolated instance of Windows 10 on top of a host operating system like Windows 11 or even a Linux distribution. This isolation means that even if the virtualized Windows 10 instance is compromised, the attack is unlikely to affect the host system. Additionally, VMs enable users to preserve access to legacy software or configurations that may not be compatible with newer OS versions, a critical need for businesses and enthusiasts alike.

Virtualization also aligns with the concept of "digital preservation," ensuring that older systems and applications remain functional without exposing your primary setup to risk. Let’s explore how to set up a Windows 10 VM and the tools that make this possible, while addressing security best practices for an unsupported OS.

Choosing the Right Virtualization Platform

Before diving into the setup process, selecting the right virtualization software is crucial. There are several popular options available for Windows users, each with its own strengths and use cases. Below, I’ll outline three leading platforms—Hyper-V, VMware, and VirtualBox—verifying their compatibility and features based on official documentation and user reports.

  • Microsoft Hyper-V: Built into Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Windows 11 editions, Hyper-V is a native hypervisor that offers robust performance and seamless integration with Windows environments. According to Microsoft’s official documentation, Hyper-V supports running Windows 10 as a guest OS with minimal configuration. It’s an ideal choice for users who prefer a solution without third-party software dependencies. However, Hyper-V isn’t available on Windows Home editions, which limits its accessibility.

  • VMware Workstation Player: VMware offers both free (Workstation Player) and paid (Workstation Pro) versions of its virtualization software. VMware is renowned for its stability and advanced features like snapshotting, which lets you revert to a previous state of your VM if something goes wrong. Per VMware’s system requirements, Workstation Player supports Windows 10 as a guest OS on Windows 11 hosts, and user reviews on tech forums like Reddit consistently praise its reliability for legacy OS setups.

  • Oracle VirtualBox: A free, open-source option, VirtualBox is highly versatile and supports a wide range of host and guest operating systems, including Windows 10. Oracle’s documentation confirms compatibility, and its active community provides extensive troubleshooting resources. VirtualBox is a great choice for users on a budget or those running non-Windows hosts like Linux, though it may lack the performance optimization of Hyper-V or VMware in demanding scenarios.

Each platform has its merits, but for most Windows enthusiasts, Hyper-V is the go-to due to its native integration and zero cost for eligible users. If you’re on Windows Home or prefer a more feature-rich experience, VMware or VirtualBox are excellent alternatives. Ensure your hardware supports virtualization—most modern CPUs include Intel VT-x or AMD-V extensions, which you can verify in your BIOS settings or via tools like CPU-Z.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Windows 10 Virtual Machine

Creating a Windows 10 VM to use post-end of support involves several steps, from preparing your current system to configuring the virtual environment. Below, I’ll walk you through the process using Hyper-V as the primary example, with notes on adapting the steps for VMware or VirtualBox. This guide assumes you have a valid Windows 10 license and installation media or an existing system to virtualize.

1. Back Up Your Existing Windows 10 System

Before proceeding, back up your data. If you’re converting an existing Windows 10 installation into a virtual machine, Microsoft’s free tool Disk2vhd is invaluable. Disk2vhd, available from Sysinternals, creates a Virtual Hard Disk (VHD or VHDX) file from your physical drive, capturing the OS, applications, and settings. According to Microsoft’s Sysinternals page, Disk2vhd works with Windows XP and later, and user feedback on tech blogs like BleepingComputer confirms its effectiveness for Windows 10 migrations.

Run Disk2vhd on your Windows 10 system, select the drives to convert, and save the VHD file to an external or secondary drive. This process can take several hours depending on your disk size, so plan accordingly. If you’re starting fresh, download a Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft’s official site (verified as still available for free as of 2023) and prepare installation media using the Media Creation Tool.

2. Enable Virtualization and Install Hyper-V

Ensure virtualization is enabled in your BIOS/UEFI settings by looking for options like Intel VT-x, AMD-V, or SVM. Restart your system, then enable Hyper-V via Windows Features. Navigate to "Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off," check the Hyper-V box, and reboot. Microsoft’s support pages confirm this process, and tutorials on sites like How-To Geek corroborate the steps with screenshots and troubleshooting tips.

For VMware or VirtualBox, download the respective software from their official websites (vmware.com and virtualbox.org) and follow the installation prompts. Both platforms offer detailed setup guides for Windows hosts.

3. Create and Configure the Virtual Machine

In Hyper-V Manager, click "New > Virtual Machine" to launch the wizard. Assign a name (e.g., "Windows 10 Legacy"), allocate memory (at least 4GB recommended for Windows 10, per Microsoft’s minimum specs), and attach the VHD file created by Disk2vhd or point to your ISO for a fresh install. Configure networking by selecting a virtual switch—use an "Internal Switch" or "Private Switch" to keep the VM offline for added security, a tactic endorsed by cybersecurity experts on forums like Spiceworks.

If using VMware or VirtualBox, the process is similar: create a new VM, set resources (CPU cores, RAM, disk space), and attach your VHD or ISO. Both platforms support importing VHD files, though VirtualBox may require converting the file to VDI format using its built-in tools, as noted in Oracle’s user manual.

4. Install or Boot Windows 10

For a fresh install, boot the VM and follow the Windows 10 setup prompts, entering your product key when required. If using a VHD, the VM should boot directly into your existing Windows 10 environment, retaining all settings and software—a seamless transition verified by user reports on Microsoft Community forums. Activate Windows if necessary, ensuring you comply with Microsoft’s licensing terms (one license per active instance).

5. Secure the Virtual Machine

Post-setup, prioritize security since the VM will eventually run an unsupported OS. Keep the VM offline unless absolutely necessary, as internet connectivity exposes it to unpatched vulnerabilities. Hyper-V allows you to disable network adapters entirely, a step recommended by security blogs like Krebs on Security. If internet access is needed for specific tasks, use a snapshot (available in all three platforms) to revert to a clean state afterward.

Additionally, install a reputable antivirus within the VM—options like Malwarebytes or Bitdefender offer free versions with solid detection rates, per reviews on PCMag and AV-Test.org. Disable unnecessary services and auto-updates to minimize attack surfaces, and consider using Windows’ built-in firewall to block inbound connections.

Benefits of Running Windows 10 in a VM Post-End of Support

Using a virtual machine to maintain access to Windows 10 offers several advantages, especially for enthusiasts and professionals reliant on legacy software or specific OS configurations.

  • Isolation from Host System: A VM acts as a sandbox. If malware infects the virtualized Windows 10, it’s contained within the VM and unlikely to impact your host OS, a principle backed by cybersecurity studies from firms like Kaspersky.

  • Preservation of Legacy Software: Many users depend on older applications incompatible with Windows 11. Virtualization ensures these programs run in their native environment without forcing an upgrade, a use case frequently cited by IT admins on TechRepublic.

  • Flexibility and Experimentation: VMs allow you to test configurations, software, or even malware in a safe, disposable environment.