Looks like Microsoft’s plans for a seamless transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 have hit a pretty bumpy road. With the announcement that extended support for Windows 10 will end in October 2026, Microsoft is urging its massive user base of 800 million to jump onboard Windows 11. However, the numbers don’t lie, and they bring some bad news. Not only has the transition slowed globally, but in the United States, Windows 10 users appear to be clinging to their current operating system for dear life. Even worse, around 400 million users simply don’t have the hardware required to make the leap to Windows 11 as it stands. Let’s unpack the details and implications of this complex scenario.
Why the resistance?
The primary factor seems to be Microsoft’s own decision to offer extended support for Windows 10. Starting in October 2025, users can pay $30 per machine to receive security updates up to October 2026. This move seems to have inadvertently encouraged users to delay commitment to Windows 11. Why rush over to a new OS when you can stick with what works and still get updates for at least another year?
For the uninitiated, TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 is a hardware encryption feature that secures sensitive information, integrates with tools such as Secure Boot, and supports Microsoft’s Zero Trust security strategies. While it boosts the system's resilience against attacks, it becomes a roadblock for older hardware owners who find themselves on unsupported machines.
To rub salt in the wound, users attempting to install Windows 11 on incompatible devices are warned of several risks: halted security updates, potential invalidation of warranties, and unstable software performance. Microsoft isn’t mincing words—if your machine doesn’t make the cut, they want you to start thinking about newer AI-powered PCs. After all, having 400 million aging, unsupported devices floating around invites risks not just for users but for the larger ecosystem as well.
The fallout isn’t limited to Recall—it reflects broader challenges Microsoft faces as it tries to balance hardware limitations, smooth software rollouts, and user expectations.
From a security perspective, however, the argument to upgrade is strong. Windows 11's adherence to the Zero Trust model (with key features like TPM and Secure Boot) makes it vastly more secure against modern cyberattacks. Yet, it’s hard to convince users clinging to older hardware that the security risks outweigh the financial costs of upgrading.
Here are some possibilities:
But for businesses and security-conscious users? Procrastination could equal vulnerabilities. With cyber threats growing more sophisticated by the day, refusing to upgrade eventually becomes akin to leaving your front door unlocked in a questionable neighborhood.
In the end, it’s a balancing act between keeping your wallet happy today and protecting your digital life for tomorrow.
Source: BizzBuzz Microsoft’s new update—Bad news confirmed For 400 million windows users
The Market Shuffle: Windows 10 Gaining, Windows 11 Losing
For November 2024, statistics paint an interesting picture. Globally, Microsoft has seen only 10 to 15 million users, a shy 1%, migrating to its latest OS. While this might seem discouraging, the situation in the United States is even more glaring. In the U.S., Windows 10’s market share actually grew, rising from 58% to 61%. During the same period, Windows 11 saw its numbers decline from nearly 40% to just under 37%.Why the resistance?
The primary factor seems to be Microsoft’s own decision to offer extended support for Windows 10. Starting in October 2025, users can pay $30 per machine to receive security updates up to October 2026. This move seems to have inadvertently encouraged users to delay commitment to Windows 11. Why rush over to a new OS when you can stick with what works and still get updates for at least another year?
The Hardware Conundrum: A Hard Stop for 400 Million Users
The most controversial piece of this puzzle involves hardware. A staggering 400 million devices lack the necessary specifications to upgrade to Windows 11. Here’s where those requirements, like the now-infamous TPM 2.0, become game changers.For the uninitiated, TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 is a hardware encryption feature that secures sensitive information, integrates with tools such as Secure Boot, and supports Microsoft’s Zero Trust security strategies. While it boosts the system's resilience against attacks, it becomes a roadblock for older hardware owners who find themselves on unsupported machines.
To rub salt in the wound, users attempting to install Windows 11 on incompatible devices are warned of several risks: halted security updates, potential invalidation of warranties, and unstable software performance. Microsoft isn’t mincing words—if your machine doesn’t make the cut, they want you to start thinking about newer AI-powered PCs. After all, having 400 million aging, unsupported devices floating around invites risks not just for users but for the larger ecosystem as well.
AI Features: The Recall Fiasco
And what about the shiny features of Windows 11? The promise of cutting-edge AI functionalities like the new “Recall” tool is attractive… except when it doesn’t actually work. This flagship AI feature designed to enhance productivity has faced serious setbacks. Testers from the Windows Insider program reported that the Recall feature is riddled with bugs, leading to it outright failing for some users. According to reports, this glitch seems linked to a non-security preview update, leaving many wondering why such an essential feature is being launched in a less-than-stellar state.The fallout isn’t limited to Recall—it reflects broader challenges Microsoft faces as it tries to balance hardware limitations, smooth software rollouts, and user expectations.
Why the Delay? What’s Making Users Drag Their Feet?
1. Hardware Costs
Many Windows 10 users might be on older hardware, and a transition to Windows 11 essentially demands a system upgrade. With global economic uncertainties and rising PC prices, is it any wonder people are choosing the cheaper $30 extended support option rather than shelling out for new machines?2. Benefits That Don’t Compel
While Windows 11 touts improved security and smoother integration with cloud services, some users feel their current setups are “good enough.” For many, the lack of unique must-have features in Windows 11 diminishes the urgency to upgrade.3. Timing Misalignment
By offering support extensions for Windows 10, Microsoft itself threw a lifeline to hesitant users. This move, while well-intentioned, has created a paradox: why rush upgrades when you can wait and see how the landscape evolves by 2026?The Environmental and Security Angle
There’s also a mounting environmental concern. Microsoft’s decision to push users toward hardware upgrades could potentially send millions of older, still-functional machines to landfills. Recycling and refurbishing old hardware can help to some degree, but many environmentalists argue that Microsoft should prioritize backward compatibility or offer innovative solutions to keep older systems secure.From a security perspective, however, the argument to upgrade is strong. Windows 11's adherence to the Zero Trust model (with key features like TPM and Secure Boot) makes it vastly more secure against modern cyberattacks. Yet, it’s hard to convince users clinging to older hardware that the security risks outweigh the financial costs of upgrading.
What’s Next for Windows Users?
If you're one of the 800 million folks still on Windows 10—and particularly among the 400 million with aging hardware—what are your options?Here are some possibilities:
- Pay for Extended Support: $30 per device gets you until October 2026, so kick the can down the road for now.
- Upgrade to Windows 11 with New Hardware: While pricey, this will ensure you're ready for cutting-edge features and enhanced security.
- Upgrade on Incompatible Devices (At Your Own Risk): If you’re savvy enough to handle unsupported setups and don’t mind potential instability, this might be a stop-gap solution. Just don’t expect warranties or security updates to keep you cozy.
- Explore Alternatives: Open-source operating systems like Linux might appeal to tech enthusiasts unhappy with Microsoft’s direction, though this path isn’t for everyone.
Should You Wait Until 2026?
The decision ultimately boils down to cost, convenience, and priorities. It might make sense for some users to wait until Windows 11’s AI features—like Recall—are fully functional, bugs are ironed out, and hardware prices drop. By 2026, you’d hope both the OS and its new features are in tip-top shape, avoiding the growing pains we’re witnessing today.But for businesses and security-conscious users? Procrastination could equal vulnerabilities. With cyber threats growing more sophisticated by the day, refusing to upgrade eventually becomes akin to leaving your front door unlocked in a questionable neighborhood.
In the end, it’s a balancing act between keeping your wallet happy today and protecting your digital life for tomorrow.
Source: BizzBuzz Microsoft’s new update—Bad news confirmed For 400 million windows users