The slow, inexorable demise of Windows 10 has been a topic of speculation, debate, and even anxiety within the worldwide Windows community since the unveiling of its successor, Windows 11, in October 2021. While Microsoft officially announced October 14, 2025, as the end-of-support date for Windows 10, the transition has been anything but abrupt. Instead, it’s played out in slow motion across homes and enterprises, with millions weighing the cost, effort, and even the principle of moving to a new operating system. Now, new data and commentary from Microsoft’s own CEO underscore that the momentum is indisputably in Windows 11’s favor—yet the journey remains complex, nuanced, and sometimes contentious.
Windows 10, released in July 2015, stood as a watershed release for Microsoft. It answered criticisms, ironed out the missteps of Windows 8, and promised to be “the last version of Windows.” For years, Windows 10 dominated desktops, especially in business environments, benefiting from regular feature updates, strong hardware compatibility, and a sense of stability.
But everything changes. Microsoft’s decision to place a definitive sunset on Windows 10 support—October 14, 2025—means users face a simple but dire reality: after this date, the OS will receive no more security patches. If vulnerabilities surface—and in today’s threat landscape, they inevitably will—Windows 10 will become an unprotected target, a scenario that most responsible IT departments simply cannot allow.
While Microsoft typically extends paid support via the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program in limited contexts (as seen previously with Windows 7), such solutions are expensive and designed as a short-term bridge for enterprises, not a safety net for all. Thus, for the vast majority, the clock is ticking louder with each passing month.
Perhaps more significant is a bold statistic announced by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella during the company’s fiscal Q3 2025 earnings call: “Windows 11 commercial deployments increased nearly 75% year over year.” In corporate speak, this means deployments to businesses—often a trailing indicator—are surging.
To put this in perspective, Microsoft previously reported (in its July 2023 annual shareholder report) that the number of devices running Windows 11 had doubled in the preceding year. The latest jump, therefore, signals accelerating, not plateauing, adoption.
It's important to underline that “commercial deployment” is a precise term: it refers not just to licenses sold, but to systems actively installed and running within organizations. Given the rigorous, slow-paced nature of enterprise IT, a 75% year-over-year rise is remarkable and points to a deepening confidence in Windows 11’s maturity.
Still, as the cornerstone of the personal computing ecosystem, Windows remains deeply symbolic. Its health and adoption trends ripple through the tech industry, affecting PC manufacturers, software developers, and corporate IT departments worldwide.
From Microsoft’s point of view, Copilot represents both a differentiator for Windows 11 and a play to keep the OS in lockstep with the emergence of AI-driven workflows. For users, the integration is visible—indeed, sometimes intrusive—but undeniably ambitious.
When asked about Windows 10’s stubborn persistence, Copilot itself “knows” its answers: older hardware and familiar workflows keep users anchored, while fears about system requirements and unwanted UI changes slow adoption. A fair, if unsurprising, assessment.
On the other hand, Windows 11 boasts numerous improvements that are tangible after extended use:
It is likely Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10, as the company did with Windows 7 and Windows XP. However, details about pricing, eligibility, and scope remain unannounced as of the time of this writing. Historically, ESUs are aimed at large organizations with legacy dependencies; consumers are discouraged from relying on this as a safety mechanism.
Additionally, some third-party vendors—particularly antivirus companies—may try to “fill the gap” with their own security enhancements. While some tools can mitigate risk, they are no substitute for upstream OS patches, and most analysts advise against treating them as a panacea.
Yet skepticism persists, especially among tech enthusiasts and creative professionals who see the OS as more locked down and less customizable. Concerns over telemetry, update control, and “Microsoft account everywhere” policies remain a sticking point.
Most notably, Windows 11’s advances are most visible—and most rewarding—on new hardware. For users with older devices, the upgrade can feel like a step backward in performance or compatibility. It is reported, for example, that on some unsupported CPUs, users have seen slower performance or abrupt update failures—anecdotes that should be interpreted with caution, but worthy of consideration.
For Individual Users:
But beneath the statistics lies a complex tapestry of user preferences, hardware limitations, security calculations, and simple human inertia. Windows 11’s technical enhancements, AI integration, and modern security framework position it well for the future—but not everyone is on board, nor will every upgrade be painless.
Ultimately, the question is not whether Windows 10 will die, but how gracefully the community can manage the transition. As the clock ticks toward October 2025, the imperative is clear: plan now, upgrade thoughtfully, and keep vigilant for both opportunity and risk as the Windows landscape enters its next act. For those able and willing to embrace the new paradigm, Windows 11 awaits—not just as an operating system, but as a platform for the evolving future of productivity, security, and AI-driven work.
Source: Yahoo Amid the slow death of Windows 10, Microsoft's CEO reveals a bold stat about Windows 11
Windows 10 Nears the Finish Line
Windows 10, released in July 2015, stood as a watershed release for Microsoft. It answered criticisms, ironed out the missteps of Windows 8, and promised to be “the last version of Windows.” For years, Windows 10 dominated desktops, especially in business environments, benefiting from regular feature updates, strong hardware compatibility, and a sense of stability.But everything changes. Microsoft’s decision to place a definitive sunset on Windows 10 support—October 14, 2025—means users face a simple but dire reality: after this date, the OS will receive no more security patches. If vulnerabilities surface—and in today’s threat landscape, they inevitably will—Windows 10 will become an unprotected target, a scenario that most responsible IT departments simply cannot allow.
While Microsoft typically extends paid support via the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program in limited contexts (as seen previously with Windows 7), such solutions are expensive and designed as a short-term bridge for enterprises, not a safety net for all. Thus, for the vast majority, the clock is ticking louder with each passing month.
The Reluctant Masses: Why Windows 10 Users Hesitate
So why, nearly three years after Windows 11’s launch, do so many individuals and companies still cling to Windows 10? The answer, as articulated by users and industry experts alike, is multifaceted:- Legacy Hardware Incompatibility: Windows 11’s security and performance requirements, including TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and newer CPUs, exclude millions of older—but still functional—PCs. For those users, upgrading can mean buying entirely new hardware.
- User Experience Criticisms: Despite its modern design, Windows 11 has faced criticism for perceived regressions. Control over updates, Start menu changes, and the removal of certain legacy features leave some users frustrated. As Rami Tabari, Laptop Reviews Editor, puts it: “You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who isn’t displeased with Windows 11 in some shape or form.”
- Corporate Hesitancy: Large organizations typically move slowly; they run critical applications on known, stable OS versions. Enterprise IT is reluctant to move thousands of endpoints until compatibility, support, and cost questions are fully resolved.
The Data: Windows 11 Gathers Steam
Despite resistance, momentum is finally shifting. Microsoft and independent analytics services offer clear, verifiable data. According to StatCounter, Windows 10 accounted for approximately 70% of all Windows desktop usage in April 2024. By April 2025, that number had dropped to 54%. Over a single year, a 16 percentage point decline represents millions of users migrating away from Windows 10.Perhaps more significant is a bold statistic announced by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella during the company’s fiscal Q3 2025 earnings call: “Windows 11 commercial deployments increased nearly 75% year over year.” In corporate speak, this means deployments to businesses—often a trailing indicator—are surging.
To put this in perspective, Microsoft previously reported (in its July 2023 annual shareholder report) that the number of devices running Windows 11 had doubled in the preceding year. The latest jump, therefore, signals accelerating, not plateauing, adoption.
It's important to underline that “commercial deployment” is a precise term: it refers not just to licenses sold, but to systems actively installed and running within organizations. Given the rigorous, slow-paced nature of enterprise IT, a 75% year-over-year rise is remarkable and points to a deepening confidence in Windows 11’s maturity.
The Earnings Perspective: Windows’ Modest, Yet Symbolic, Role
From a financial perspective, it’s tempting to think Windows is the crown jewel of Microsoft’s empire. Not so: in the 2024 fiscal year, Windows revenue made up just 9% of the company’s $245 billion in total revenue. That might surprise non-specialists, but illustrates how Microsoft’s growth now lies in cloud, AI, and enterprise services.Still, as the cornerstone of the personal computing ecosystem, Windows remains deeply symbolic. Its health and adoption trends ripple through the tech industry, affecting PC manufacturers, software developers, and corporate IT departments worldwide.
Features and Iterative Improvement: Windows 11 Matures
For those making the leap to Windows 11, what drives the move—and what can users expect? Each new Windows 11 update delivers a batch of interface, performance, and security enhancements.- Update Cadence: Microsoft rolls out feature updates—substantial, OS-altering releases—in the second half of each calendar year. Monthly security updates, often delivered on “Patch Tuesday,” address bugs and emerging threats.
- Recent Releases: The 24H2 feature update, released in October 2024, brought refinements in UI consistency, enhanced AI integration (especially via Copilot), and improvements in performance. Security updates remain prompt and comprehensive.
- Next Up: The forthcoming 25H2 update is reported to be in developer preview as of March 2025, with a general release expected between September and October 2025. Windows Central notes that Microsoft began testing “26200 series” builds, further preparing the groundwork for the next iteration.
The Copilot Factor: Microsoft Bets Big on AI
A defining characteristic of Windows 11 is its integration of Microsoft Copilot, the company’s generative AI assistant. Copilot seeks to revolutionize user productivity by providing contextual help, summarizing content, and even scripting tasks via natural language.From Microsoft’s point of view, Copilot represents both a differentiator for Windows 11 and a play to keep the OS in lockstep with the emergence of AI-driven workflows. For users, the integration is visible—indeed, sometimes intrusive—but undeniably ambitious.
When asked about Windows 10’s stubborn persistence, Copilot itself “knows” its answers: older hardware and familiar workflows keep users anchored, while fears about system requirements and unwanted UI changes slow adoption. A fair, if unsurprising, assessment.
The Upgrade Dilemma: Free, But Not “Costless”
Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 remains, as of mid-2025, a free process for eligible devices—a critical, widely publicized point verified in Microsoft’s official channels. But as users have discovered, “free” is a relative term.System Requirements: Not All Devices Need Apply
Windows 11’s minimum requirements are well-documented on Microsoft’s support site and have been a flashpoint since day one. The most critical include:- Processor: 1GHz or faster with at least two cores and included on Microsoft’s compatible CPU list (mostly 8th Gen Intel or newer and 2nd Gen Ryzen or newer).
- RAM: 4GB minimum, 8GB or more recommended for modern workloads and Copilot efficiency.
- Storage: 64GB minimum, with SSDs virtually required for optimal experience.
- TPM 2.0: Trusted Platform Module is non-negotiable for security architecture.
- Secure Boot: Must be enabled in UEFI firmware.
The Human Factor: Learning Curves and Frustration
Early reviews of Windows 11 raised eyebrows over the redesigned Start menu, the repositioned taskbar, and the reduction in user control over system updates. While incremental updates have addressed some complaints, not all have been reversed, and UI “simplifications” are a point of enduring controversy among power users.On the other hand, Windows 11 boasts numerous improvements that are tangible after extended use:
- Snap Layouts/Snap Groups for more powerful multitasking.
- Enhanced window management and virtual desktops.
- Refined Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and improved hardware security defaults.
- Better high-DPI support and laptop battery performance.
Risks Ahead: End-of-Life Dangers and Uncertain Workarounds
As October 2025 approaches, the risks confronting Windows 10 holdouts are starkly real. Unpatched vulnerabilities offer cybercriminals an expanding attack surface, especially with Windows’ ubiquity. While some users may gamble that “nothing will happen,” both Microsoft and leading IT security firms urge against such complacency.It is likely Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10, as the company did with Windows 7 and Windows XP. However, details about pricing, eligibility, and scope remain unannounced as of the time of this writing. Historically, ESUs are aimed at large organizations with legacy dependencies; consumers are discouraged from relying on this as a safety mechanism.
Additionally, some third-party vendors—particularly antivirus companies—may try to “fill the gap” with their own security enhancements. While some tools can mitigate risk, they are no substitute for upstream OS patches, and most analysts advise against treating them as a panacea.
Conflicting Perspectives: Windows 11’s Reputation
Is Windows 11 truly “better”—or just newer? Within the Windows ecosystem, passionate defenders and skeptics abound. On one side, positive reviews now acknowledge that Windows 11 has matured into a stable, slick OS, offering confidence to those who move. Corporate adoption rates, validated by Microsoft’s 75% commercial deployment increase, support this case.Yet skepticism persists, especially among tech enthusiasts and creative professionals who see the OS as more locked down and less customizable. Concerns over telemetry, update control, and “Microsoft account everywhere” policies remain a sticking point.
Most notably, Windows 11’s advances are most visible—and most rewarding—on new hardware. For users with older devices, the upgrade can feel like a step backward in performance or compatibility. It is reported, for example, that on some unsupported CPUs, users have seen slower performance or abrupt update failures—anecdotes that should be interpreted with caution, but worthy of consideration.
Preparing for the Transition: Checklist for Users and Organizations
If you’re still on Windows 10, what should you do?For Individual Users:
- Check if your PC supports Windows 11 using Microsoft’s official PC Health Check tool.
- Back up all important data before attempting any upgrade.
- Consider a clean install for best performance, especially on older machines.
- Familiarize yourself with new features (Snap Layouts, Widgets, Copilot).
- Monitor the ESU program’s availability in case an upgrade is impossible.
- Audit device fleets now to assess compatibility and identify upgrade inhibitors.
- Test critical applications within Windows 11 environments for potential issues.
- Develop a phased rollout plan targeting user readiness and business downtime minimization.
- Communicate proactively with staff about expected UI and workflow changes.
- Evaluate Microsoft’s management tools (Intune, Endpoint Manager) for streamlined deployment.
Conclusion: An Ending and a Beginning
The final chapters for Windows 10 are being written now, with Microsoft, industry partners, and end-users all contending with the fallout. Satya Nadella’s bold assertion of a 75% surge in commercial Windows 11 deployments marks a clear inflection point: the endgame for Windows 10, long prophesied, is finally in plain view.But beneath the statistics lies a complex tapestry of user preferences, hardware limitations, security calculations, and simple human inertia. Windows 11’s technical enhancements, AI integration, and modern security framework position it well for the future—but not everyone is on board, nor will every upgrade be painless.
Ultimately, the question is not whether Windows 10 will die, but how gracefully the community can manage the transition. As the clock ticks toward October 2025, the imperative is clear: plan now, upgrade thoughtfully, and keep vigilant for both opportunity and risk as the Windows landscape enters its next act. For those able and willing to embrace the new paradigm, Windows 11 awaits—not just as an operating system, but as a platform for the evolving future of productivity, security, and AI-driven work.
Source: Yahoo Amid the slow death of Windows 10, Microsoft's CEO reveals a bold stat about Windows 11
