As the clock ticks down to the end of support for Windows 10, the landscape of operating system usage is shifting. Recent data from Statcounter indicates that the gap between Windows 10 and its successor, Windows 11, is narrowing. For the first time, Windows 11 has crossed the significant threshold of 30 percent market share, while Windows 10 is witnessing a gradual decline in its dominance.
Market Trends
In April, Windows 10 commanded an impressive 68 percent of the market, but that figure has since slipped to 64 percent. Conversely, Windows 11 has surged from a 26 percent share in the spring to nearly 31 percent today. This trend suggests a growing willingness among users to transition to the newer operating system as the October 2025 deadline for Windows 10 support looms closer.
For those yet to make the switch, the impending end of life for Windows 10 is a crucial consideration. Microsoft has announced that after October 2025, the company will cease to provide free updates and security patches for Windows 10, leaving users vulnerable to potential threats. However, there is an option for businesses willing to invest in continued support: the Extended Security Update (ESU) program, priced at per year (£48). This program will extend support until 2028, offering a safety net for those who may not be ready to upgrade.
Jason Leznek from Microsoft emphasized the importance of transitioning to Windows 11, while also acknowledging that some users may face challenges in doing so before the end of support date. “Windows 10 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025. You can enroll those PCs in the paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program,” he stated. This program ensures that critical and important security updates are available for those who need additional time to migrate.
Options for Windows 10 Users
As the deadline approaches, users still operating on Windows 10 have several paths to consider:
- Maintain Windows 10, accepting the risks associated with reduced security and increased vulnerability to cyber threats.
- Opt for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) to keep their current Windows 10 devices secure.
- Upgrade to Windows 11 through Microsoft’s software update, provided their hardware meets the necessary specifications, or purchase a new laptop pre-installed with Windows 11.
HERE ARE THE FULL SPECS FOR RUNNING WINDOWS 11
- Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip (SoC).
- RAM: 4 gigabytes (GB) or greater.
- Storage: 64 GB or greater available storage is required to install Windows 11.
- Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
As users weigh their options, the transition to Windows 11 appears increasingly inevitable, driven by both market dynamics and the pressing timeline set by Microsoft.
