Microsoft’s struggles to convince Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 have taken a surprising turn. The company has confirmed that it will extend support for Windows 10 until next October, but this move is expected to accelerate the switch to Windows 11.
According to recent statistics, global Windows 10 market share increased by 1%, while Windows 11’s market share declined from over 35% to below 35%. In contrast, in the US, Windows 10’s market share rose from 58% to 61%, with Windows 11 dropping from nearly 40% to below 37%.
Microsoft has emphasized that upgrading to Windows 11 is safer and more secure than using Windows 10. However, this message appears to be falling on deaf ears, as users are delaying upgrades due to various reasons, including concerns about hardware compatibility and the cost of upgrading.
A recent blog post by Microsoft emphasizes the importance of having a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 for Windows 11, which is a requirement for many modern security features. However, users who don’t meet this requirement may face difficulties in getting support or warranty extensions beyond October 2026.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that some users are waiting to upgrade due to concerns about the cost of new hardware and the potential benefits of leaving their current system untouched. The delay has significant implications for Microsoft’s plans, as it will now have to monitor a larger group of users who refuse to upgrade.
As the holiday season approaches, the numbers from December and January will provide crucial insight into how the situation unfolds. With Windows 10 end-of-life support approaching, the pressure on users to make the switch to Windows 11 is mounting.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2024/12/04/microsofts-bad-news-15-million-windows-users-now-at-risk