If you've been paying attention to the Windows ecosystem, you may have noticed the tectonic shift happening in real-time: Windows 11 is gaining traction, and like an aging rock band on its farewell tour, Windows 10 is taking the long walk toward its end-of-support. In January 2025, Windows 11 grabbed a 36.65% market share—a significant leap—while Windows 10’s usage slumped to 60.33%. If you're a Windows enthusiast teetering on the edge of a potential upgrade or just curious to understand the larger dynamics, here’s everything you need to know about this milestone moment.
Yet, for the stubborn or pragmatic among us who simply refuse to relinquish Windows 10, there’s a grace period. Microsoft is offering an Extended Security Update (ESU) program at $30 per user, per year—a proposition that might save businesses or legacy system advocates the hassle of migrating, but only for so long. Got Office 365 apps on your Windows 10 machine? Bad news: they also lose support come October 2025. Without updates, even these workhorse apps—Word, Excel, PowerPoint—may become buggy, insecure, or outright eclipsed by alternative platforms.
Interestingly, Statcounter data reveals Windows 11 started its upward climb around April 2024, and there’s been no looking back since. Building smartly off its predecessor’s legacy, Windows 11 ushers in smarter ways to work, play, and stay connected, complete with ongoing feature updates like the rumored Windows 11 24H2 update set for release later this year.
Windows 11’s climb to adoption signals not just the end of one era but the emergence of another more dynamic and forward-looking platform. And whether you're preparing for migration or dusting off relics of the past, one thing’s for sure: October 2025 will be here before you know it, so start planning your next move.
Source: MSPoweruser https://mspoweruser.com/windows-11-is-getting-more-popular-as-windows-10s-end-of-support-is-approaching/
Windows 10’s Decline: The Clock’s Ticking
Microsoft’s announcement that Windows 10 will be retired on October 14, 2025, acts as the proverbial hammer driving its population into decline. That’s right—less than two years remain before Windows 10 officially hangs up its boots and stops receiving vital security updates. Without these updates, systems running Windows 10 post-October 2025 will become increasingly vulnerable to threat vectors, and let’s be honest, cybersecurity is no area to skimp on.Yet, for the stubborn or pragmatic among us who simply refuse to relinquish Windows 10, there’s a grace period. Microsoft is offering an Extended Security Update (ESU) program at $30 per user, per year—a proposition that might save businesses or legacy system advocates the hassle of migrating, but only for so long. Got Office 365 apps on your Windows 10 machine? Bad news: they also lose support come October 2025. Without updates, even these workhorse apps—Word, Excel, PowerPoint—may become buggy, insecure, or outright eclipsed by alternative platforms.
Quick Facts on Windows 10 Updates
- Extended Security Update Price: $30/year per user.
- End-of-Support Deadline: October 14, 2025.
- Office 365 Compatibility: Ends alongside Windows 10 support.
Windows 11: Playing the Long Game
The climb to 36.65% market share didn’t happen overnight. Microsoft has employed both the carrot and the stick in reshaping its user base. Carrot? Well, Windows 11 dazzles with cleaner UI experiences, deeper integration with AI tools, better gaming compatibility (we see you, DirectStorage), and a plethora of productivity features. Stick? You cannot stave off obsolescence forever—outdated tech will ultimately leave businesses and home users behind in cybersecurity and efficiency.Interestingly, Statcounter data reveals Windows 11 started its upward climb around April 2024, and there’s been no looking back since. Building smartly off its predecessor’s legacy, Windows 11 ushers in smarter ways to work, play, and stay connected, complete with ongoing feature updates like the rumored Windows 11 24H2 update set for release later this year.
Five Reasons Why Users Are Upgrading to Windows 11
- Future-Proofing: With Windows 10’s days numbered, users are embracing the inevitable shift earlier rather than facing vulnerability post-2025.
- Improved UI and Performance: Features like the centered Start menu, Snap Layouts, and enhanced touch support make Windows 11 feel contemporary and polished.
- Better App and Hardware Compatibility: Windows 11 supports newer DirectX versions, advanced gaming features like Auto-HDR, and integrates beautifully with tools like Teams.
- AI Integration: Windows 11 is pacing with the times, bringing AI-based enhancements such as improved search and contextual assistance.
- Security: From enhanced TPM 2.0 requirements to cloud-based patching, Windows 11 is equipped to deal with the complex security challenges of 2025.
The Transition Dilemma: Should You Upgrade?
Now that the marketing machine is rolling and the technical rationale is crystal clear, the big question remains: Should you upgrade from Windows 10? It depends. Let’s break it down.Why You Might Stay On Windows 10 (For Now)
- Legacy Applications: Businesses running software tailored to Windows 10 may hesitate to introduce potential compatibility issues with Windows 11.
- Hardware Limitations: If your PC lacks TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot, upgrading requires a hardware overhaul. That $30 ESU fee suddenly seems like a bargain.
- Personal Preference: Comfort in familiarity keeps some users at bay—why fix what isn’t (yet) broken?
Why You Should Consider Upgrading
- Wait Too Long, Pay the Price: The ever-increasing costs of security breaches and operational downtime dwarf the friction of upgrading.
- Feature Access: As newer applications and services prioritize Windows 11, remaining on Windows 10 could leave users out of the loop.
- Security is Non-Negotiable: New attack surfaces emerge daily, and Windows 11 is better equipped to counter them.
Revisiting the Bigger Picture
It was eight glorious years ago when Windows 10 debuted, promising to be Microsoft’s “last OS.” Fast forward to 2025, and that narrative has shifted dramatically with the rise of its successor. To see Windows 10’s share shrink month by month is to witness the natural life cycle of technology in action. And hey, it’s not all doom and gloom—given Microsoft’s history of Extended Security Updates (ESUs), the transition from a retired Windows OS to newer versions is always a measured process.Windows 11’s climb to adoption signals not just the end of one era but the emergence of another more dynamic and forward-looking platform. And whether you're preparing for migration or dusting off relics of the past, one thing’s for sure: October 2025 will be here before you know it, so start planning your next move.
Is Windows 11 Worth It? Share Your Thoughts!
Are you ready to make the jump, or are you holding on to Windows 10 for dear life? Head over to the forum and let us know how you’re managing the transition—after all, decisions like these don’t just shape personal tech experiences but influence the larger tech ecosystem.Source: MSPoweruser https://mspoweruser.com/windows-11-is-getting-more-popular-as-windows-10s-end-of-support-is-approaching/
