A recent advisory has emerged for Windows users, highlighting the vulnerabilities of PCs that are increasingly seen as “magnets for security threats.” This warning comes at a pivotal moment for Microsoft, as new data reveals a concerning trend just ahead of a crucial few months for the company. With approximately 500 million Windows users facing an urgent decision, the landscape is shifting rapidly.
Urgent Upgrade Recommendations
Asus, a prominent PC manufacturer, has issued a stark reminder: “If you’re still using Windows 10 or, dare we say it, something even older — your computer’s days of regular updates and support are numbered.” The call to action emphasizes the importance of upgrading, particularly to Windows 11, which Asus identifies as a significant leap forward, primarily due to its integration of AI features like Copilot.
While the allure of premium AI PCs is evident, the necessity of transitioning to Windows 11 extends beyond high-end models. Users can still benefit from the future-proofing that Windows 11 offers, ensuring they receive critical security updates following the cessation of Windows 10 support in October.
The current market data paints a troubling picture as the deadline for free Windows 10 security updates approaches. While paid extensions exist, they come at a high cost for enterprises and are limited to just 12 months for home users. Microsoft is actively promoting free upgrades instead of these costly extensions.
Just a month ago, Windows 11 appeared to be gaining ground against its predecessor, already surpassing Windows 10 in the U.S. market. However, recent statistics indicate a reversal of this trend. As of late May, Windows 10 has shown a slight increase in user share, while Windows 11 has experienced a decline, marking a shift after several months of steady growth for the newer operating system.
Currently, around 750 million users remain on Windows 10, with at least 240 million lacking eligible hardware for an upgrade. This leaves roughly 500 million users who could take advantage of Microsoft’s free Windows 11 upgrade but have yet to do so. In the U.S., despite Windows 11’s earlier lead, recent data indicates a rise in Windows 10’s market share from 41% in April to over 43% in May, while Windows 11 has dropped by 3.5%, falling below the 53% mark.
The upcoming data for June will be critical, as it will mark just three months until Windows 10 support is officially discontinued. For Microsoft, the urgency is palpable; without a significant shift in user upgrades, the potential for a cybersecurity crisis looms large as the October deadline approaches. For those using Windows 10 with eligible PCs, the time to act is now.
