Microsoft-Informs

400 million Windows 10 users face dilemma: upgrade to Windows 11 or risk losing support

 

Microsoft is under increasing pressure to transition users from Windows 10 to Windows 11. With support for Windows 10 set to end in October 2025, the company is urging its 800 million Windows 10 users to upgrade. However, this has created a significant issue for approximately 400 million users who find themselves in a difficult position.

Recent statistics show a shift in upgrade trends that are concerning for  Microsoft. For the first time, Windows 10's market share has increased while that of Windows 11 has decreased. Specifically, Windows 10's market share rose from 61% to 62%, whereas Windows 11's share fell from 35.5% to below 35%. In the United States, the trend is even more pronounced: Windows 10 increased from 58% to 61%, while Windows 11 dropped from 40% to 37%. This raises questions about the effectiveness of Microsoft's efforts to promote Windows 11 adoption.

 

One Key Factor Behind Windows 11 Upgrade Challenges

 

A key factor driving this shift is the increasing concern over hardware compatibility. Microsoft has specified that only PCs equipped with TPM 2.0 support can fully utilize the features of Windows 11. Unfortunately, this requirement means that 400 million Windows 10 users lack the necessary hardware to upgrade.

While some workarounds exist, installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware comes with significant risks. Users who opt for this upgrade may encounter compatibility issues and will also miss out on updates, including essential security patches.

 

Microsoft's Windows 11 Warning Sparks Holiday Tech Dilemma

 

This statement from Microsoft solidifies the warning regarding Windows 11 installation on incompatible hardware. The company insists that users will bear the risks associated with such installations, jeopardizing their warranties and losing support. This situation creates uncertainty for users, pushing them to either upgrade their hardware or continue using Windows 10, which will no longer receive security updates after October 2025.

Many users are already frustrated, especially since this situation coincides with the holiday shopping season. They now face a dilemma: invest in new devices or risk running outdated and unsupported software.

The push for Windows 11 relies heavily on the expectation that many users will decide to upgrade their hardware in time. For those stuck with incompatible machines, the pressure will only mount as the deadline approaches.

 

An Offered Windows 10 Paid Support Till 2026

 

Until now, Microsoft has provided extended support for Windows 10 users. But, this comes at a cost of $30 per device to postpone the inevitable until 2026. 

However, time is running out, and many users prefer to wait for better hardware deals before upgrading to compatible devices. With support for Windows 10 nearing its end, it is becoming clear that Microsoft will face a significant challenge in convincing millions of users to transition to Windows 11