When Windows 10 reached the end of its support last month, it left many users pondering their next steps. Should they upgrade to Windows 11 or continue with their current operating system? Experts advocating for the transition emphasized security as a primary concern. However, it raises an intriguing question: why are there still users clinging to Windows XP and Windows 7, operating systems that debuted 24 and 16 years ago, respectively?
According to Statcounter, Windows 7 maintains a market share of approximately 2.5%, while Windows XP holds a mere 0.22%. While these figures appear small compared to the more recent iterations, they represent a substantial number when considering the estimated 1 billion Windows PCs in use worldwide. This translates to around 25 million machines still running Windows 7 and 2.2 million on Windows XP, even years after Microsoft ceased support for both systems. Surprisingly, many of these users have compelling reasons for their continued reliance on these older operating systems.
App compatibility is key
Older apps don’t run on Windows 10 or 11
The predominant factor keeping users tethered to Windows XP and Windows 7 is app compatibility. Numerous legacy applications, particularly those crafted during the early computing era, fail to function on newer operating systems. Many small to medium-sized enterprises, along with various industries, depend on these older versions of Windows precisely for this reason. Their existing systems and software simply do not operate on modern platforms. Additionally, older hardware, such as scanners and printers, often encounters errors when interfacing with anything beyond Windows XP.
Privacy-conscious users frequently opt for Windows XP within a virtualized environment, allowing them to run older applications safely while minimizing exposure to potential threats. While these systems may not offer robust security, a reliable antivirus program combined with prudent usage can mitigate risks, albeit not entirely eliminate them.
Upgrading requires investment
Not everyone has the resources
One might wonder why individuals hesitate to upgrade when affordable alternatives are available. The answer lies in the overall costs associated with such transitions, which can often prove prohibitive. Beyond the financial implications, many users face challenges in migrating data from legacy software to newer systems due to compatibility issues. In many cases, the only recourse is to manually input decades’ worth of data, a daunting task for those who have relied on the same software since the Windows XP era.
Considering the time and effort required to transfer 20–25 years of data, along with the financial burden of upgrading both software and hardware, many users find it impractical to invest in new systems when their current setups are functioning adequately. This is particularly true for individuals in regions with lower per capita incomes. For those with home systems running Windows XP that meet their basic application needs without errors, an upgrade simply does not make sense.
People are moving to newer versions
The rate is slow but quickly picking up
While the number of PCs operating on Windows 7 and XP is indeed declining, the pace of this transition is slower than many anticipated. In January 2023, Windows 7 accounted for 9.55% of the market, while Windows XP stood at 0.45%. By January 2024, these figures had dropped to 3.05% and 0.57%, respectively. The primary driver of this decline is the gradual replacement of older systems with modern hardware and software. However, the shift is not as rapid as initially expected.
Even with Windows 10, many anticipated a significant drop in market share following the end of its support in October 2025, yet this has not materialized. Factors such as Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program have played a role, but it’s also evident that end users are becoming increasingly savvy. They are more informed about their options and tend to prioritize convenience over forced upgrades, often diverging from manufacturers’ expectations.
Windows XP and Windows 7 won’t become obsolete anytime soon
It is unrealistic to expect users to abandon systems that continue to perform well simply because the developer has withdrawn support. Familiarity, reliability, and user-friendliness are significant factors influencing this trend. Many systems running Windows XP or 7 operate in isolation, disconnected from the internet, which significantly reduces their vulnerability to online threats. These machines often handle tasks such as printing, billing, and manufacturing processes, resulting in a lower risk profile than one might assume. Consequently, any investment in new hardware or software appears financially impractical, and users or organizations will require compelling reasons to finally make the leap to newer systems.
