Recent data from Lansweeper reveals a noteworthy trend in the Windows operating system landscape. Currently, approximately 16.9% of Windows client devices, translating to roughly one in six, continue to operate on Windows 10. In contrast, Windows 11 has surged ahead, now representing 78.8% of installations. This shift marks a significant decline for Windows 10, which held nearly 50% of the market share as recently as mid-2025. However, the pace of migration appears to be decelerating, suggesting that the remaining Windows 10 users may be entrenched in their current systems for the foreseeable future.
Challenges in Migration
Despite the substantial upgrades to Windows 11, the transition is becoming increasingly complex. The Lansweeper report indicates that the remaining Windows 10 devices are often associated with more challenging, costly, or risky upgrade scenarios. This is compounded by the fact that Windows 10 devices reportedly have three times as many active Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) compared to their Windows 11 counterparts.
While technical limitations and the need for physical upgrades do not seem to pose significant barriers, the lingering presence of legacy operating systems—such as Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows XP—remains a critical factor. Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program provides a temporary reprieve, offering protection for consumers until October 2027 and for commercial customers until October 2028.
As the ESU programs approach their conclusion, organizations and individual users alike are urged to reassess their reliance on Windows 10. The remaining user base, while smaller, represents a segment that may require more strategic planning to facilitate a successful transition to newer operating systems.
