In the realm of technology, letting go can be a challenging endeavor, especially when the tools we rely on have served us faithfully for years. My own experience with a gaming laptop that lasted a decade is a testament to this sentiment. It was only when the recovery partition finally declared its retirement that I faced the inevitable transition. Before that, the laptop had shown signs of wear, often shutting down unexpectedly during intense gaming sessions—perhaps it was doing me a favor by nudging me toward an upgrade.
Windows 10: A Stubborn Legacy
As of January 2025, Steam’s monthly hardware and software survey indicates that a significant 44.41% of PC users are still operating on Windows 10, an operating system set to lose support this coming October. This statistic raises questions about the reasons behind such a substantial number of users clinging to an OS nearing its end. It’s unlikely that this is merely a case of inertia; the story is more nuanced.
Windows 11, which debuted in 2021, comes with demanding system requirements that can deter users with older, yet still functional hardware from making the leap. The reluctance to upgrade is understandable, especially when the cost of new components can be prohibitive. Fortunately, for those willing to take the plunge, tools like Rufus and Flyby11 have made installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware more accessible than ever.
- Many of the Steam users still on Windows 10 may include establishments such as internet cafes.
- Maintaining hardware that is constantly used by the public can be a daunting task, leading owners to postpone major updates.
Despite the impending end of support for Windows 10, it is unlikely that we will witness an immediate decline in its user base on Steam. The cessation of support does not equate to the sudden disappearance of the OS or the bricking of machines. Rather, it signifies that users will no longer receive updates, including crucial security patches, making continued use increasingly risky.
Last year, a piece highlighted the vulnerabilities associated with using outdated operating systems, such as Windows XP, which has long since lost official support. Cybersecurity threats can proliferate rapidly in such environments, underscoring the importance of staying updated. For those feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of upgrading from Windows 10, resources are available to guide the transition and ease the process.
