As the calendar races toward October 14, 2025, a striking and inconvenient truth has emerged: a very large portion of the global PC installed base is still running Windows 10, even as Microsoft prepares to stop issuing free security updates and feature patches for that OS. PC makers, market trackers, and Microsoft itself now agree the transition to Windows 11 is far from complete — and the choices left to consumers, enterprises, and governments are both messy and consequential.
Microsoft set a firm lifecycle endpoint for Windows 10: official support ends on October 14, 2025. After that date Microsoft will no longer provide free technical support, quality updates, or security patches for Windows 10 devices not enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. The company continues to recommend moving to Windows 11 or acquiring a new device that ships with the supported OS.
In response to the reality that millions of devices cannot or will not upgrade immediately, Microsoft expanded its ESU program to include consumer options for the first time and layered in ways to obtain coverage that do not necessarily involve an out‑of‑pocket payment. The consumer ESU window gives eligible Windows 10 devices a one‑year safety net, with enrollment paths that include syncing settings to a Microsoft account, redeeming Microsoft Rewards points, or paying a one‑time fee. The company’s official lifecycle and ESU eligibility details are published on its support and product lifecycle pages. (microsoft.com, support.microsoft.com)
Yet the transition story is not a simple binary of “supported” vs “unsupported.” The industry narrative is shaped by three overlapping realities:
This corporate perspective is shaped by two concurrent market forces:
Key consumer details to note:
Practical mitigation paths include:
For consumers and small businesses, the practical path is to audit devices now, enroll eligible devices in ESU if needed, and plan upgrades where security, compliance, or performance demand it. For organizations, a phased approach — prioritize high‑risk endpoints for Windows 11 or replacement, use ESU for legacy systems only as a controlled stopgap, and plan refurbishment or alternative OS paths for non‑critical devices — will minimize both risk and costs.
The single most important takeaway is this: October 14, 2025 is not an “all‑stop” day for Windows 10 machines, but it is a pivot point. The protections Microsoft has offered reduce immediate exposure, but they also mark the end of indefinite deferral. Stakeholders who act now will preserve secure operations and avoid the scramble, cost, and potential fallout that come from leaving large numbers of systems unsupported. (support.microsoft.com, computerworld.com, gs.statcounter.com)
(Analysis informed by vendor statements and market trackers, plus reporting and community coverage on the Windows 10 end‑of‑support situation.) (computerworld.com, microsoft.com)
Source: extremetech.com Half of PCs Stick to Windows 10 as Support Nears End
Source: Computerworld Half of PCs still run Windows 10 despite looming end of support, PC makers say
Background / Overview
Microsoft set a firm lifecycle endpoint for Windows 10: official support ends on October 14, 2025. After that date Microsoft will no longer provide free technical support, quality updates, or security patches for Windows 10 devices not enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. The company continues to recommend moving to Windows 11 or acquiring a new device that ships with the supported OS. In response to the reality that millions of devices cannot or will not upgrade immediately, Microsoft expanded its ESU program to include consumer options for the first time and layered in ways to obtain coverage that do not necessarily involve an out‑of‑pocket payment. The consumer ESU window gives eligible Windows 10 devices a one‑year safety net, with enrollment paths that include syncing settings to a Microsoft account, redeeming Microsoft Rewards points, or paying a one‑time fee. The company’s official lifecycle and ESU eligibility details are published on its support and product lifecycle pages. (microsoft.com, support.microsoft.com)
Yet the transition story is not a simple binary of “supported” vs “unsupported.” The industry narrative is shaped by three overlapping realities:
- Market share fragmentation — Windows 10 remains widely deployed, but exact numbers vary by tracker and region.
- Hardware constraints — large swathes of the installed base fail to meet Windows 11’s system requirements (notably TPM 2.0 and certain CPU lists).
- Business cycles and costs — enterprise and SMB upgrade timelines are driven by budgets, compatibility testing, and lifecycle planning, not Microsoft calendar dates.
The numbers: what “half of PCs” actually means
Headlines claiming “half of PCs still run Windows 10” are anchored in remarks by PC‑maker executives and by a variety of usage trackers — but the precise figure differs depending on source and methodology.- PC manufacturers such as HP and Dell have publicly stated that roughly half of active PCs are still on Windows 10 as they described upgrade cycles during earnings calls; those operator observations reflect shipments, installed bases seen by vendors, and enterprise deployment schedules. Quoted executives warned the migration will continue into 2026.
- Public market trackers show slight variances. For example, StatCounter’s August 2025 snapshot put Windows 11 above 49% and Windows 10 at roughly 45.6% worldwide — meaning Windows 11 had just edged ahead globally, although regional splits vary dramatically. That same StatCounter timeline shows Windows 10 remaining dominant in some markets and user segments. These snapshot methodologies differ from vendor internal counts, which may explain apparent discrepancies between “half” and “less than half.”
- Independent surveys and enterprise telemetry (ControlUp, IDC, Gartner excerpts cited in press coverage) find broad groupings: many consumer PCs are technically capable of upgrading, while a meaningful minority — often in education, government, or cost‑sensitive SMBs — are not. That creates a mix of upgraders, paying ESU customers, and long‑term remainers who will operate an unsupported OS into 2026 and beyond. (windowscentral.com, computerworld.com)
What PC makers are saying — upgrade cycles, AI PCs and price pressure
In recent earnings calls, Dell and HP executives described the upgrade path to Windows 11 as an ongoing multi‑year refresh rather than a one‑week event. HP’s CEO said the conversion was “behind what we have been in other years,” and noted the refresh cycle is heavier in enterprises with SMBs lagging due to budget constraints and perceived benefit gaps. Dell’s leadership echoed the view that many devices simply cannot run Windows 11, opening opportunities for targeted replacement and for extending Windows 10 life with upgrades or ESU.This corporate perspective is shaped by two concurrent market forces:
- The emergence of AI‑certified PCs (Copilot+ or “AI PCs”), which are being positioned as higher‑margin upgrades and are currently selling at price premiums. HP reported AI PCs accounted for about a quarter of its consumer mix and noted a 5–10% price differential for AI‑certified SKUs. That, in turn, influences buyer calculus: a consumer might delay replacement if the most attractive new machines are costlier.
- Tariffs and supply‑chain shifts are forcing OEMs to raise prices, which raises the total cost for enterprises to swap hardware on a large scale. Those cost pressures directly slow refresh cycles and make ESU or incremental investments (RAM, storage upgrades) an appealing stopgap for some customers.
Microsoft’s ESU offerings: what’s on — and what’s not
Microsoft designed the ESU program to reduce immediate risk for devices that cannot or will not upgrade before the EOL date. For enterprises the program extends critical security patches in one‑year increments through October 2028, with per‑device pricing that escalates annually. For consumers, Microsoft introduced a one‑year consumer ESU window with multiple enrollment paths: syncing to a Microsoft account (effectively free for eligible devices), redeeming Microsoft Rewards points, or a one‑time payment option. Microsoft’s lifecycle pages and support documentation spell out eligibility, enrollment mechanics, and the fact that ESU covers security updates only — not feature updates or general technical support. (microsoft.com, support.microsoft.com)Key consumer details to note:
- Coverage length: consumer ESU extends updates through roughly October 13, 2026 (one year past the October 14, 2025 cutoff). Enterprises can opt into longer, paid increments through 2028 under higher per‑device rates. (support.microsoft.com, microsoft.com)
- What ESU is: it provides critical and important security fixes only; it will not restore feature updates or full technical support.
- Enrollment friction: even the “free” enrollment path requires a Microsoft account and certain device prerequisites (Windows 10 version 22H2, up‑to‑date installs). Reports show the ESU enrollment button rollout was staggered and confusing for some users, creating frustration and causing late enrollments in early rollouts. (techradar.com, windowscentral.com)
Security and compliance implications — the real risks beyond the headline
Running an OS that no longer receives security updates is not merely an inconvenience; it changes the risk calculus for individuals, businesses, and critical infrastructure.- Heightened attack surface: unsupported systems are attractive zero‑day targets. History shows attackers concentrate efforts where unpatched populations remain (Windows XP and WannaCry are salient precedents). That risk scales especially where fleets share common software or credentials.
- Regulatory and insurance exposure: for regulated industries, using an unsupported OS can violate compliance frameworks or insurance terms. Auditors and cybersecurity frameworks increasingly expect maintained, supported platforms. Organizations that delay upgrades may face legal and financial ripple effects in audits or incident responses.
- Third‑party ecosystem decay: major apps, browser engines, and antivirus/endpoint vendors will progressively shift testing and support to Windows 11. Over time that will produce driver shortages, degraded performance on new productivity apps, and higher friction for peripherals and business software. ESU lessens risk but does not prevent third‑party vendors from ending compatibility.
Choices on the table: upgrade, pay for ESU, switch OS, or run unsupported
Users and IT teams face a small set of real options, each with tradeoffs.- Upgrade to Windows 11 (where supported)
- Benefits: continued security updates, compatibility with new features (including on‑device AI), easier vendor support.
- Costs: hardware compatibility checks, potential new device purchases, testing for business apps. (support.microsoft.com, techspot.com)
- Enroll in ESU (consumer or enterprise)
- Benefits: buys time, receives critical security patches for a defined window.
- Costs: does not restore feature support; enterprises face escalating per‑device pricing; consumer paths often require a Microsoft account or rewards points. (microsoft.com, techradar.com)
- Install an alternate OS (Linux, ChromeOS Flex)
- Benefits: can extend usable life of older hardware, reduces e‑waste, avoids Microsoft costs.
- Costs: compatibility challenges for Windows‑only business apps, training/support overhead, potential hardware driver issues.
- Run an unsupported Windows 10 or attempt an unsupported Windows 11 install
- Benefits: preserves current workflow with minimal immediate expense.
- Costs: no security guarantees, potential policy or warranty voids, increasing third‑party incompatibilities. Microsoft explicitly warns unsupported Windows 11 installs may not receive updates and could be unstable.
Environmental and social considerations: the e‑waste conundrum
The transition pressure raises a secondary but pressing question: will the rush to Windows 11 produce an e‑waste spike? Advocacy groups and industry observers have cautioned that forcing hardware replacements where devices are otherwise functional risks significant environmental costs. The public policy tension here is real — balancing security and new capabilities against device longevity and sustainability — and it has already produced consumer pushback and even litigation in some jurisdictions. (techradar.com, windowscentral.com)Practical mitigation paths include:
- Targeted upgrades (RAM/SSD) where possible to make devices Windows 11‑capable.
- Community support for Linux alternatives on older hardware.
- Longer‑term trade‑in and refurbish programs coordinated by OEMs and retailers.
A short, practical checklist for individuals and IT teams
- Inventory your fleet: identify Windows 10 devices, capture build/version (22H2 requirement for ESU), and note which machines are eligible for Windows 11 upgrades.
- Prioritize by risk: mark devices that handle sensitive data, are externally facing, or are critical to operations for immediate upgrade or ESU coverage.
- Check ESU eligibility and enrollment paths now — don’t wait for last‑minute prompts. Consumer enrollment options (Microsoft account sync, rewards, or paid enrollment) may require prerequisites. (microsoft.com, techradar.com)
- Test Windows 11 on a controlled subset before mass upgrades, especially for legacy business apps. Use vendor guidance, compatibility tools, and backup strategies.
- Consider non‑Windows alternatives for unsupported or low‑risk machines to avoid unnecessary replacements. Linux and ChromeOS Flex are reasonable options for many older machines with web‑centric workloads.
Strengths and weaknesses of the current approach (critical analysis)
Strengths- Microsoft’s ESU program is pragmatic — by offering consumer and enterprise paths, Microsoft buys time for a substantial installed base to transition without immediate catastrophic exposure. The program recognizes market realities and the high cost of replacing hundreds of millions of devices overnight. (microsoft.com, techradar.com)
- OEM incentives align with long‑term modernization — AI‑certified PCs and refreshed hardware cycles inject investment into the ecosystem and help fund long‑term improvements in security and device capability.
- Communication and rollout friction — ESU enrollment rollout inconsistencies and the requirement of a Microsoft account for “free” coverage have created confusion and allocation problems for users who value local accounts or privacy. That undermines adoption and fairness. (windowscentral.com, techradar.com)
- Economic and equity concerns — pricing for enterprise ESU escalates in later years, which disproportionately affects small businesses and underfunded public institutions, potentially widening the security divide.
- Environmental problem not fully addressed — the strategy does not directly solve device disposal or reuse infrastructure; without coordinated trade‑in and refurbishment programs, e‑waste risks remain.
Timeline and what to expect next
- Now → October 14, 2025: active window for last free security updates on Windows 10. ESU enrollment should be completed prior to the cutoff to maximize coverage. Microsoft will continue to publish guidance and enrollment tools during this period.
- October 14, 2025 → October 13, 2026: consumer ESU coverage window for enrolled devices; enterprise ESU options extend in annual increments through October 2028 for those who pay escalating fees. Expect a gradual increase in attacks on unpatched systems as threat actors diversify their targets. (microsoft.com, support.microsoft.com)
- 2026 and beyond: OEM and software vendor support will increasingly default to Windows 11 and later; expect device retirements, trade‑in programs to ramp; pay attention to patching guidance from Microsoft and third‑party software vendors. (computerworld.com, microsoft.com)
Final assessment
The near‑term reality is that many PCs will not migrate instantly to Windows 11 simply because Microsoft sets a calendar date. Vendors see a fragmented, multi‑year refresh drive where ESU plays the role of a bridge. That bridge solves an immediate security urgency but does not absolve organizations of the strategic need to modernize, test, and move forward.For consumers and small businesses, the practical path is to audit devices now, enroll eligible devices in ESU if needed, and plan upgrades where security, compliance, or performance demand it. For organizations, a phased approach — prioritize high‑risk endpoints for Windows 11 or replacement, use ESU for legacy systems only as a controlled stopgap, and plan refurbishment or alternative OS paths for non‑critical devices — will minimize both risk and costs.
The single most important takeaway is this: October 14, 2025 is not an “all‑stop” day for Windows 10 machines, but it is a pivot point. The protections Microsoft has offered reduce immediate exposure, but they also mark the end of indefinite deferral. Stakeholders who act now will preserve secure operations and avoid the scramble, cost, and potential fallout that come from leaving large numbers of systems unsupported. (support.microsoft.com, computerworld.com, gs.statcounter.com)
(Analysis informed by vendor statements and market trackers, plus reporting and community coverage on the Windows 10 end‑of‑support situation.) (computerworld.com, microsoft.com)
Source: extremetech.com Half of PCs Stick to Windows 10 as Support Nears End
Source: Computerworld Half of PCs still run Windows 10 despite looming end of support, PC makers say
