A recent readiness study conducted by ControlUp has unveiled intriguing insights into the current landscape of the Windows market, particularly regarding the transition to Windows 11. The findings indicate that approximately 60% of enterprise PCs have successfully upgraded to Windows 11, leaving a notable 40% still operating on Windows 10. This is particularly significant as Windows 10 is set to reach its end of life on October 14 of this year.
Current Upgrade Trends
In a noteworthy shift, Windows 11 has now surpassed Windows 10 to become the most widely used version of Windows in the market. The data reveals that industries such as finance and government are also lagging behind, with only 55% and 39% of their respective PCs upgraded to Windows 11. ControlUp estimates that around 25% of consumer PCs and 24% of business PCs still running Windows 10 will require replacement to ensure compliance with the upcoming end of support.
Geographical differences in upgrade behavior are also apparent. In North America, 57% of PCs are yet to transition to Windows 11, while Europe shows a more advanced migration, with only 30% of PCs remaining on Windows 10. This suggests that European markets are leading the charge in adopting the latest operating system.
Extended Security Updates
In response to the impending end of support for Windows 10, Microsoft has announced an extended security updates program for commercial customers. This initiative will allow businesses to pay for continued security updates beyond October 2025 for devices that are ineligible for Windows 11. The program will span three years, from October 2025 to October 2028, at a cost of per device, which will double for each subsequent year of enrollment.
For consumers, the pricing is considerably lower, set at or free with a Microsoft Account, though they will only receive one year of extended security updates. After October 2026, consumers will face the necessity of upgrading to Windows 11 or seeking alternative solutions to maintain security.
As the deadline approaches, it is clear that millions of PCs will still be operating on Windows 10 when it reaches its end of life. The uncertainty remains regarding how many of these users will opt for the extended security updates or risk remaining on a platform devoid of security patches. Over time, as support ceases, applications and drivers will gradually stop functioning on Windows 10, with Microsoft already indicating that new features for Office on Windows 10 will be discontinued starting next year.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the Windows market? Are you looking forward to switching to Windows 11 if you haven’t already?
