In less than 12 months, Windows 10 will lose all free support from Microsoft, leaving users with some very tough choices to make. Those with this operating system still installed will either have to take the risk of their devices not being protected from cyber bugs or sign up for Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESUs) which will be available from October 2025 for a yearly fee.
Of course the other option is to switch over to a Windows 11 compatible PC but it seems millions really aren’t that keen on making the jump. Over the past few months, Windows 11 adoption has been slowing growing whilst Windows 10 numbers have been declining. With end of support on the horizon that makes perfect sense but something bizarre has suddenly happened over the last month.
According to new data from Statcounter, Windows 10 numbers suddenly increased during November, whilst Windows 11 dropped.
The fall and rise is only small but it’s not what many, including Microsoft, would have been expecting. It’s currently unclear what has caused Windows 10 to suddenly see its numbers rise but it means this ageing operating is still well ahead of its newer sibling.
The latest show that, as of November 2024, Windows 10 has a 61.8 percent share of the market.
Meanwhile, Windows 11 has a 34.94 percent share – that’s a drop of almost one percent compare to October 2024.
It will be interesting to see how these figures change over the coming months, but Microsoft remains committed to that end-of-support date next year.
“Starting Oct. 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates,” said Yusuf Mehdi, Executive Vice President, Consumer Chief Marketing Officer at Windows.
“As security threats evolve and adapt, so must our operating systems and hardware. Because of this, we designed Windows 11 to be the most secure version of Windows ever — by default and design — to help you stay ahead of those risks.”