Windows 11 adoption Archives

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Amid the slow death of Windows 10, Microsoft’s CEO reveals a bold stat about Windows 11

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning no more security patches will be provided. As of April 2024, Windows 10 comprised 70% of Windows users, but this dropped to 54% by April 2025. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella reported a nearly 75% increase in commercial deployments of Windows 11 year over year. Transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free, but Windows 11 requires more RAM and memory, which may not be compatible with older hardware. Microsoft continues to release updates for Windows 11, with the latest security update on April 25 and the anticipated 24H2 version released in October 2024. The next version, Windows 11 25H2, is expected between September and October 2025.

Winsage

April 20, 2025

Microsoft’s Free Upgrade Offer—Bad News For 240 Million Windows Users

Microsoft is encouraging approximately 240 million PC owners to recycle outdated devices, as they will not qualify for a free upgrade to Windows 11 without new hardware. The company emphasizes the importance of the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, a security chip that determines eligibility for the upgrade and protects sensitive data. TPM 2.0 offers several security benefits, including data encryption, verification of trusted software, detection of physical tampering, and support for advanced security features in Windows 11. Currently, around 240 million PCs are estimated to be ineligible for the upgrade, which may hinder the adoption of Windows 11 and leave many devices vulnerable to cyber threats.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Microsoft Intensifies Push for Windows 11 Adoption Amid Looming Windows 10 End-of-Support

Microsoft is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11, highlighting its advantages as the end-of-support date for Windows 10 approaches on October 14, 2025. As of August 2024, Windows 11 accounts for nearly 32% of global Windows installations, up from 23% in July 2023, while Windows 10 holds about 64% market share. Windows 11 has become the preferred operating system for PC gamers on Steam, with 49% of users choosing it over 47% for Windows 10. Key features of Windows 11 include mandatory TPM 2.0 for enhanced security, a redesigned Start menu, improved multitasking with Snap Layouts, integration with Microsoft Teams, and a more efficient Windows Update process. However, some users are hesitant to upgrade due to hardware compatibility issues and a preference for Windows 10's interface. Microsoft may increase efforts to promote the transition to Windows 11 as the support deadline nears, and users remaining on Windows 10 will face security risks without official support.

Winsage

March 3, 2025

Windows 11 adoption accelerates at the expense of Windows 10

Recent data shows an increase in Windows 11 adoption as businesses prepare for the end-of-support date for Windows 10. Windows 10 currently holds a 54.36 percent share of Windows operating systems, while Windows 11 has reached 41.99 percent. The end of support for most versions of Windows 10 is set for October 14. Valve's Steam Hardware and Software Survey indicates that as of February, Windows 11's share decreased to 44.1 percent, while Windows 10 increased to 53.34 percent. Microsoft is exploring strategies to enhance Windows 11 adoption, including simplifying hardware requirements and extending support for older hardware.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

Windows 11 may have just kickstarted 2025’s biggest comeback story

Windows 11 has reached a market share of 36.65% among Windows desktop users, the highest since its launch on October 5, 2021. In contrast, Windows 10 holds a 60.33% share. The increase in Windows 11 adoption is attributed to new purchases during the holiday season, with historical data showing growth from 16.97% to 18.12% between December 2022 and January 2023, and from 26.54% to 27.83% between December 2023 and January 2024. Despite fluctuations in user numbers throughout 2024, it is expected that Windows 11's market share will continue to rise, especially with the end-of-support for Windows 10 approaching on October 14. Windows 10 users will lose access to critical security updates and technical support after October 2025 unless they pay for Microsoft's Extended Security Updates. Additionally, potential increases in hardware prices may prompt users to upgrade to meet Windows 11's requirements.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Microsoft’s Free Offer Deadline—Millions Of Windows Users Suddenly Upgrade

Microsoft is facing a challenge as 850 million Windows users approach a deadline to update their systems. Approximately 40 million users upgraded their PCs in the past month, despite many Windows 10 users being reluctant to transition to Windows 11. The upgrade to Windows 11 is free for users whose hardware meets security requirements, but Microsoft has indicated that this free upgrade may not be available indefinitely. Recent statistics show a reversal in the trend of users upgrading to Windows 11, with around 40 million users making the switch, representing about 2.5% of the Windows install base. However, if the current upgrade pace continues, around 500 million users may remain vulnerable due to hardware security checks. Microsoft is encouraging users to refresh their Windows 11 PCs by 2025, particularly with AI integration, but an unprecedented number of PCs are expected to lose security support in October. It is uncertain whether Microsoft will take drastic measures to address the situation, such as mandatory upgrades or a lighter version for incompatible devices.

Winsage

December 14, 2024

Microsoft will still let Windows 11 users send a fax, should they ever want that

Microsoft resolved a connectivity issue affecting eSCL devices, including USB-connected scanners and fax machines, for users who upgraded to Windows 11, version 24H2. A compatibility hold was implemented to prevent complications, which was first reported on November 22. On December 10, Microsoft announced that the hold (ID 54762729) would be lifted, allowing users to upgrade without concerns, with some devices receiving the update within 48 hours. As of now, Windows 11 accounts for approximately 34.9% of all Windows installations, while Windows 10 holds a 61.8% share.

Winsage

December 3, 2024

Microsoft ramps up pressure on users running Windows 11 on unsupported PCs

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 in October 2025 and is encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11. Users upgrading to Windows 11 on unsupported hardware will see a watermark on their desktop and receive notifications about incompatibility. Unsupported PCs may not receive critical updates, and damages may not be covered under warranty. Microsoft warns that installing Windows 11 on incompatible systems is not recommended and may lead to compatibility issues. Users have a 10-day window to revert to Windows 10 after upgrading. Despite resistance to Windows 11, its adoption is gradually increasing, with Windows 10 holding a 62% market share compared to Windows 11's 35%. Some users are using workarounds to install Windows 11 on incompatible systems, and experiences vary among those running it on unsupported hardware.

Winsage

December 2, 2024

Microsoft details how to install Windows 11 on unsupported PC not meeting requirements

Microsoft is urging users to transition from Windows 10 as its end of support approaches, promoting Windows 11 through advertisements and articles. Users on unsupported systems can upgrade to Windows 11 by signing a waiver, but they are warned about potential compatibility issues and lack of support. Microsoft has updated its support page with clearer disclaimers and introduced a shortcut link for accessing the Recovery menu. A step-by-step guide is provided for reverting to Windows 10 within 10 days of upgrading to Windows 11. Users with older processors lacking support for specific instructions cannot upgrade to Windows 11.

Winsage

December 2, 2024

Windows 10’s surprise comeback is terrible news for Microsoft’s Windows 11

Microsoft will end free support for Windows 10 in October 2025, prompting users to consider their options, including continuing at their own risk, opting for Extended Security Updates for a fee, or transitioning to a Windows 11-compatible PC. Despite a gradual increase in Windows 11 adoption, recent statistics from Statcounter show that Windows 10's user numbers increased in November, while Windows 11's decreased. Currently, Windows 10 holds 61.8% of the market share, and Windows 11 has 34.94%, reflecting a nearly one percent drop for Windows 11 from the previous month. Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates after October 14, 2025.