Picture this: Despite Microsoft's grand push to leave the past behind, Windows 10 is stubbornly hanging on, dominating over 40% of devices even weeks after the company officially pulled the plug on support. It's a digital standoff that begs the question – are users simply not ready to let go, or has Microsoft underestimated the challenges of forcing change?
As things calm down following the conclusion of free support for numerous editions of Windows 10, this older operating system continues to play a major role in the Windows ecosystem. Microsoft is eagerly encouraging a widespread shift to Windows 11, its premier OS, yet machines powered by its forerunner, Windows 10, are ubiquitous. This persistence occurs despite clear warnings from Microsoft that October 14 marked the cutoff for complimentary updates for most versions. To keep receiving crucial security patches and fixes, individuals and organizations must opt for Extended Security Updates (ESU) – think of it as a paid extension of protection that buys time until you can fully upgrade – or stick with supported variants like the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) editions. For beginners, ESU is essentially a lifeline program where you pay Microsoft to continue guarding your system against vulnerabilities, much like an extended warranty on a car that keeps it running safely a bit longer.
While the percentage of gadgets using Windows 10 is gradually decreasing, it's happening at a snail's pace, paralleled by a similarly steady rise in Windows 11 adoption. According to Statcounter's data for October, Windows 10 holds a 41.71 percent slice of the market, with Windows 11 claiming 55.18 percent. But here's where it gets controversial – is this slow drift really a testament to Microsoft's strategy of imposing tougher hardware demands to nudge people toward upgrading, or does it highlight a flaw in that approach, potentially alienating loyal users who feel pushed into costly changes?
Without direct stats from Microsoft, Statcounter's insights – derived from tracking code on about 1.5 million sites worldwide, which, while not exhaustive, offers a solid snapshot of global trends – serve as our best window into the operating system landscape. And this is the part most people miss: The rollout of Windows 11 stands in stark contrast to the final stages of support for Windows 7. Back then, as the deadline neared, Windows 7 barely captured a quarter of the market, while Windows 10 soared to over two-thirds. Now, the tables have turned, with Windows 10 not vanishing as swiftly.
With gratis support now a thing of the past for many Windows 10 flavors, businesses reliant on these systems should have ESU in place to bridge the gap until new hardware arrives. Consequently, don't expect a rapid surge in Windows 11 embrace anytime soon. Factors like the natural rhythm of hardware refreshes, the availability of ESU, and broader economic pressures – including tariffs in the US – are all slowing the transition more than anticipated.
- 'What the hell, Microsoft?' Users hit with incorrect ESU and LTSC Win10 out-of-support messages (https://www.theregister.com/2025/11/04/windows10outofsupport_update/)
- Docker Compose vulnerability opens door to host-level writes – patch pronto (https://www.theregister.com/2025/10/30/dockercomposedesktop_flaws/)
- 9 in 10 Exchange servers in Germany still running out-of-support software (https://www.theregister.com/2025/10/29/germanyexchangesupport/)
- Intel says server CPUs will be hot again – in a good way, to power AI workloads – any year now (https://www.theregister.com/2025/10/24/intelq32025/)
Ultimately, it's a mix of these elements – from replacement timelines to economic realities – that will dictate when companies decide to retire Windows 10, rather than any hard deadline imposed by the tech titan. Microsoft's sights are now set on integrating AI features, with plans to weave in assistants and agents across Windows. However, the firm hasn't indicated it'll reprise the compatibility hurdles of Windows 11, where it essentially tried to compel upgrades through stricter rules. As for the AI pitch, it needs to be far more enticing than current offerings to sidestep the same sluggish response seen in the Windows 11 migration – or risk another flop.
What do you think? Is Microsoft's hardware lockout for Windows 11 a smart tactic or an overreach that backfires? Should companies prioritize AI perks over sticking with proven systems like Windows 10? Share your views in the comments – are you part of the holdout crowd, or have you already made the leap? Let's discuss!
