As the clock ticks down to October 2025, Windows 10 continues to reign as the world’s most widely used operating system. However, Microsoft has announced that support for this stalwart OS will officially conclude on October 14, 2025, leaving countless machines vulnerable to security threats as they will no longer receive updates, technical support, or security fixes.
Current Landscape of Operating Systems
According to Valve’s latest Steam Hardware Survey, nearly half of the surveyed users—specifically 42.87%—are still relying on Windows 10. This statistic underscores the challenge Microsoft faces in transitioning users to Windows 11, which has seen a sluggish adoption rate despite the company’s vigorous marketing efforts aimed at encouraging upgrades.
The numbers reveal a stark contrast in market share: Windows 11 currently holds approximately 36.6% globally, while Windows 10 commands a significant 60.33%. This discrepancy highlights the ongoing struggle to entice users to make the switch, particularly when many perceive that Windows 11 offers little additional value compared to its predecessor.
Steam users reflect this trend, with a staggering 96.55% of them operating on a Windows platform. Of these, Windows 11 accounts for 53.46%, yet the substantial percentage of users still on Windows 10 raises concerns about the impending deadline. With millions of machines likely to remain on the older operating system as the support end date approaches, the potential for increased security vulnerabilities looms large.
The reluctance to adopt Windows 11 can be attributed to several factors, including stringent hardware requirements and a perceived lack of compelling features that would justify the upgrade. As the deadline nears, Microsoft faces a critical juncture in its efforts to transition its user base to a more secure and modern operating system.
