In a recent revelation, HP disclosed that a notable 30% of its installed user base continues to operate on Windows 10, despite Microsoft’s decision to discontinue support for the operating system on October 14, 2025. This situation has left around 400 million PCs vulnerable, as many do not meet the stringent hardware requirements necessary for an upgrade to Windows 11. Interestingly, the percentage of Windows 10 users has seen a slight decline since September 2025, when HP and Dell reported that nearly half of their PCs were still running the older system. This trend suggests that the transition to Windows 11 will not be instantaneous, with expectations that it may extend into 2026.
Extended Security Updates and User Reactions
To address the concerns of its users, Microsoft introduced an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Users can enroll for free by syncing their PC settings to the cloud via a Microsoft Account or opt to pay or 1,000 Microsoft Reward points. However, the company later revised its approach, making access to these extended support updates free for users in the European Economic Area who do not meet the cloud backup requirement.
Despite these efforts, organizations like The Restart Project, which co-developed the “End of 10” toolkit to assist Windows 10 users unable to upgrade, have criticized Microsoft’s actions. They argue that the decision to continue providing security updates feels like a temporary fix rather than a sustainable solution, likening it to a band-aid on a system that is in urgent need of more comprehensive care.
Critics have labeled the end of support for Windows 10 as an example of programmed obsolescence, asserting that Microsoft’s decision effectively forces millions of functioning PCs into premature retirement due to their inability to meet the new hardware standards for Windows 11. The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has raised alarms about the potential ramifications of this move, warning that it could exacerbate the digital divide, particularly for users relying on older devices.
Shifts in User Preferences
In light of Windows 10’s impending end-of-life, initiatives like End of 10 are encouraging users to consider transitioning to Linux. This campaign promotes the idea of abandoning the Windows ecosystem altogether, highlighting the absence of advertisements and telemetry tracking as appealing features of Linux distributions.
As the tech landscape evolves, the combination of waning enthusiasm for advanced AI PCs and constrained budgets for new devices has contributed to the persistence of Windows 10 users. Microsoft has made several attempts to persuade users to upgrade to Windows 11, employing full-screen multi-page pop-up ads and leveraging the capabilities of Copilot+ PCs, touting claims that “Windows 11 PCs are up to 2.3x faster than Windows 10 PCs.”
At this juncture, it remains uncertain whether those still utilizing Windows 10 have enrolled in the ESU program or are simply operating without the benefit of security updates.
