Recent developments have unveiled a concerning reality for Windows users, particularly those still operating on Windows 10. As Microsoft intensifies its push for users to upgrade, the potential security risks for approximately one billion Windows users have escalated. The end-of-life for Windows 10 occurred last month, leaving hundreds of millions of users in a precarious position.
While Microsoft has extended a security update lifeline for these users, the company emphasizes that this support falls short of the comprehensive features available in Windows 11. Users are encouraged to upgrade their operating systems, and if that is not feasible, to consider upgrading their hardware.
Revised Estimates on Windows Installations
Initial estimates suggested that around 550 million PCs were still running Windows 10, out of a total market of 1.4 billion. It was also believed that a significant portion of these systems—approximately half—were older models that could not be upgraded to Windows 11 without some technical workaround. However, Dell’s recent statements have provided a sobering correction to these figures.
During an earnings call, Dell COO Jeffrey Clarke revealed that the actual installed base is closer to 1.5 billion units. Of these, about 500 million are capable of running Windows 11 but have yet to be upgraded, while another 500 million are four years old and unable to support the new operating system.
This revised estimate doubles previous assumptions and casts a shadow over the momentum of Windows 11. According to Windows Latest, the challenges facing Microsoft in promoting Windows 11 may stem from the operating system’s reputation or a reluctance among consumers to abandon their functional Windows 10 machines.
It is worth noting that Dell’s insights may offer a more accurate picture than those derived from market analysts like StatCounter, which relies on smaller representative samples to gauge the install base. The reality remains that a substantial number of PCs continue to operate on an outdated OS, regardless of the extended security updates provided by Microsoft.
As Microsoft persists in issuing reminders and warnings about the importance of upgrading, it highlights the advantages of Windows 11, which reportedly features “the latest security updates and hardware-backed protection.” The company claims that users can expect a 62% reduction in security incidents, asserting that the new OS is “secure by design, secure by default,” with multiple layers of protection readily available out of the box.
With the October 14 deadline for Windows 10 support now in the past, attention turns to a new critical date: October 2026. As another extended security update (ESU) appears unlikely at that time, the urgency for users, OEMs, and retailers to adapt becomes increasingly apparent, especially during pivotal shopping seasons such as the current holiday period.
