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Microsoft Ends Windows 11 SE Support in 2026 Amid Low Adoption
Winsage
January 5, 2026

Microsoft Ends Windows 11 SE Support in 2026 Amid Low Adoption

Microsoft will conclude support for Windows 11 SE in 2026, ceasing security updates and feature enhancements after October 2026. Launched in late 2021 for K-8 classrooms, Windows 11 SE struggled with adoption due to hardware limitations and competition from alternatives like Google’s Chrome OS. The final feature release for SE will be Windows 11 version 24H2. Schools will face challenges in transitioning to new systems, as devices running SE may become vulnerable to cyber threats without ongoing support. Microsoft is shifting its focus to integrating educational tools into its main operating system rather than maintaining a separate edition. The end of support for Windows 11 SE may accelerate hardware refresh cycles in schools, posing financial burdens on underfunded districts.
Windows 11 growth slows as millions stick with Windows 10
Winsage
December 3, 2025

Windows 11 growth slows as millions stick with Windows 10

By November 2025, Windows 11 held 53.7 percent of the Windows desktop market, while Windows 10 had 42.7 percent. Statcounter's data is based on a sample of around 1.5 million websites. Many consumers have devices incompatible with upgrades or prefer not to change functioning systems. In the EU, consumers benefit from free Microsoft Extended Security Updates (ESU). Businesses face slow change management processes due to poor planning and resource challenges. Organizations use ESUs to maintain security during transitions, but costs can be burdensome for unprepared businesses. Consumers often retain older Windows 10 machines for secondary tasks, affecting usage statistics. Organizations strategically leverage ESUs for mission-critical systems and budget constraints. The cost of ESUs is often less than the potential disruptions from migration. Windows 11 lacks compelling features to prompt enterprises to upgrade, and adoption is slower than previous operating systems, lagging by 10-12 points according to Dell's COO.
The Windows 10 end-game: how IT leaders can turn migration pressure into strategic advantage
Winsage
October 22, 2025

The Windows 10 end-game: how IT leaders can turn migration pressure into strategic advantage

Many small and medium-sized businesses still rely heavily on Windows 10 as the deadline for Microsoft to discontinue support approaches. Microsoft’s hardware requirements for Windows 11, including TPM 2.0, aim to establish modern security standards. Peripheral compatibility issues arise as legacy equipment often depends on outdated Windows drivers. Cyber insurance providers are limiting coverage for unsupported operating systems, leading to premium increases for organizations. Successful migrations to Windows 11 can leverage application modernization opportunities, with cloud-native alternatives providing enhanced functionality and security. Windows 11's security architecture supports zero-trust implementations more effectively than Windows 10. The integration of Windows 11's security features with Conditional Access policies allows for improved security controls. Organizations that migrate early can avoid resource scarcity and higher costs associated with the impending deadline. A structured implementation strategy for late-stage planning includes rapid assessment, strategic pilot design, and parallel track implementation for different user categories. The October 2025 deadline for Windows 10 end-of-support emphasizes the need for strategic migration planning to avoid security vulnerabilities and operational risks.
Lenovo leads PC market as Windows 10 deadline drives upgrades
Winsage
October 11, 2025

Lenovo leads PC market as Windows 10 deadline drives upgrades

Lenovo led the global PC market in the third quarter of 2025, shipping 19.4 million units and achieving a 25.5% market share, reflecting a 17.3% growth from the previous year. Total global PC shipments reached 75.9 million units, marking a 9.4% increase. HP shipped 15 million units (19.8% market share), and Dell shipped 10.1 million units (13.3% market share). Apple and Asus shipped 6.8 million and 5.9 million units, respectively. The North American market faces challenges due to US import tariffs and macroeconomic uncertainties, while Asia Pacific, particularly Japan, experienced growth driven by hardware refresh initiatives related to the end of Windows 10 support. Demand for PCs is largely influenced by lifecycle management as organizations prepare for the end of Windows 10 support on October 13.
Microsoft pushes NPUs as a way to an intelligent Windows
Winsage
October 10, 2025

Microsoft pushes NPUs as a way to an intelligent Windows

Microsoft is promoting the potential of neural processing units (NPUs) to enhance Windows intelligence, although NPUs are not yet part of official hardware requirements. NPUs are designed to accelerate local inference with lower power consumption and are found in devices from smartphones to Copilot+ PCs. Microsoft claims that NPUs can make sophisticated AI experiences more affordable, stating that tasks that once required expensive computing can now be performed on less costly devices. However, the current utility of local AI processing for users is limited, with few OS features requiring local processing and minimal impact on productivity. Microsoft has integrated AI capabilities into applications like Notepad and Photos, but these changes are not driven by user demand. Despite the lukewarm reception, Microsoft advocates for NPUs, highlighting their ability to run multiple AI applications concurrently. Concerns exist regarding future hardware requirements, as the company may eventually include NPUs in its specifications, echoing past experiences with Windows 10. As of early September, AI-enabled notebooks with NPUs made up 40.5 percent of the European distribution channel, a figure expected to rise.
Google offers lifeline to Windows 10 users who want to avoid paying Microsoft subscription this month
Winsage
October 5, 2025

Google offers lifeline to Windows 10 users who want to avoid paying Microsoft subscription this month

Windows 10 support will officially end in October 2025, with no further updates or security patches provided after that date. Microsoft estimates that up to three-quarters of the 1.4 billion Windows PCs worldwide still use Windows 10. Users can opt for Extended Security Updates (ESU) until October 2028 for an annual fee, which has previously ranged from £10 to £159. Google’s ChromeOS Flex is a free alternative that allows users to run a modern operating system on existing hardware, potentially prolonging device lifespan and reducing electronic waste. ChromeOS Flex provides essential security updates but lacks some features of dedicated Chromebooks.
Upgrade to Windows 11 and DOUBLE performance? PCs powered by new software are 2x faster than Windows 10
Winsage
July 5, 2025

Upgrade to Windows 11 and DOUBLE performance? PCs powered by new software are 2x faster than Windows 10

Microsoft claims that laptops and desktop PCs running Windows 11 are "up to 2.3x faster than Windows 10 PCs." Windows 10, the most widely used desktop operating system, powers over 1 billion devices but will stop receiving free updates after October 14, 2025. Users can pay £22 for an additional year of support. The performance comparison is based on Geekbench 6 benchmarks, contrasting new Windows 11 devices with older Windows 10 systems. Between May and June 2025, Windows 11 usage increased by over 4%. Microsoft plans to release Windows 11 Version 25H2 later this year, which will feature a redesigned Start menu and a new CPU throttling feature. Users eligible for a free upgrade can benefit from a smoother installation process. Microsoft offers free security updates to Windows 10 users who subscribe to OneDrive; otherwise, the £22 fee applies. Some users may be hesitant to upgrade due to Windows 10's superior gaming performance in certain scenarios.
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