The countdown to the end of Windows 10 is nearing its conclusion, with just days remaining before users must either transition to Windows 11 or secure extended security updates by October 14. This pivotal moment affects over 500 million users, who face potential security vulnerabilities if they remain on the outdated operating system. However, a more alarming trend has emerged: approximately 300 million users are reportedly opting for an even riskier choice.
Shifting User Landscape
According to Microsoft, there are currently 1.4 billion Windows users worldwide. Insights from StatCounter reveal that 630 million users, or 45%, have upgraded to Windows 11, while 490 million, representing 35%, are still operating on Windows 10. Surprisingly, the data also indicates a resurgence of Windows 7, with nearly 300 million users—20% of the total—returning to this unsupported operating system, which was officially retired in 2020. This trend poses a significant threat, as it opens the door for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities.
Windows Central notes that the surge in Windows 7 usage appears to coincide with users’ reluctance to upgrade to Windows 11 following the impending end of support for Windows 10. While some experts suggest that this spike in market share may be a data anomaly, the timing raises eyebrows and warrants further investigation.
The impossible revival of Windows 7
StatCounter
As highlighted by Windows Latest, the notion of Windows 7 gaining market share in 2025 raises questions about practicality. The challenges of locating a Windows 7 ISO and the compatibility issues with modern applications and hardware make this revival seem implausible. The reality is that many users may find themselves stuck in a technological quagmire, unable to effectively utilize older systems.
This peculiar situation underscores a broader concern regarding data accuracy. If the statistics reflecting Windows usage can be so misleading, what does that imply for the overall understanding of the operating system landscape? Is Windows 11 genuinely at 45% market share, or has Windows 10 truly declined to 35% in just a matter of weeks? The implications of these figures could be more serious than initially perceived.
As we await clearer insights in the coming weeks, it is crucial for users to refrain from seeking out Windows 7 ISOs as a solution to their operating system dilemmas. Microsoft has issued stern warnings about the risks associated with unsupported versions of Windows, emphasizing that these systems do not receive crucial software updates, including security patches that safeguard against malware and other threats.
Despite the clear advisories, over 300 million users continue to rely on Windows 10, potentially jeopardizing their digital security. The urgency to upgrade or secure extended support has never been more pressing.
