Despite Microsoft’s best efforts, only about 30% of its users have upgraded to Windows 11 since its launch in 2021.
Thorsten Urbanski, a security expert at ESET, warns that the end of support for Windows 10 could put most Windows devices at risk.
Without free official security updates, millions of business and personal systems could become highly vulnerable to cyberattacks and other security threats.
Global data from StatCounter paints a similar picture, with Windows 10 accounting for 62% of Windows devices as of December 2024.
While Windows 11 is slightly more popular among gamers, the latest Steam survey reveals that 42% of players continue to use Windows 10.
In conclusion, security professionals are still warning that Windows 10 will soon be going out of production in October. Since its release in 2021, only around 30% of Microsoft’s users have upgraded to Windows 11, despite the company’s best efforts. Many Windows 10 devices don’t meet Windows 11’s strict hardware requirements, and the remaining majority will have to make tough decisions if they want to continue receiving official security updates.
ESET security specialist Thorsten Urbanski cautions that the majority of Windows devices may be at risk due to Windows 10’s end of support. Millions of personal and business systems may become extremely susceptible to cyberattacks and other security threats if free official security updates are not provided.
As its tenth anniversary draws near, Windows 10 continues to be by far the most popular Windows operating system. According to ESET, about 32 million devices, or 65 percent of all devices in Germany, are still running Windows 10.
StatCounter data from around the world shows a similar picture, with 62 percent of Windows devices running Windows 10 as of December 2024. By comparison, since its release in 2021, Windows 11 has only climbed to 34%. Unexpectedly, Windows 10 has even increased its user base in recent months. 42 percent of gamers still use Windows 10, according to the most recent Steam survey, even though Windows 11 is marginally more popular among gamers.
ESET cautions that security problems may not be the only consequences of the official discontinuation of Windows 10 support. Issues with hardware and software compatibility can also affect both individuals and businesses. Compounding the issue, organizations that do not upgrade in a timely manner run the risk of violating cybersecurity regulations.
The low adoption rate of Windows 11 can be attributed primarily to its relatively stringent hardware requirements. Microsoft is adamant that it has no intention of lowering these standards. Recently, the company reiterated that TPM 2.0 security must be installed on all Windows 11 devices, possibly leaving out millions of systems with outdated processors. Recently, clicking on Microsoft’s update prompts has caused issues even for those who are eligible for Windows 11.
As companies and consumers buy devices with Windows 11 pre-installed, industry analysts predict that the October deadline may lead to a spike in PC sales. There are alternative ways to keep security if you can’t or won’t upgrade right away.
Extended Security Updates are available to businesses for $61 per device for the first year, after which the price doubles. For an extra year, individual users can choose to pay $30 for essential updates.
