Windows 10 Reaches End of Life in 2025: What You Need to Know
In July 2025, Windows 10 will celebrate its tenth anniversary, but the milestone comes wiht a significant caveat. By October 2025, the operating system will officially reach its end-of-life status, marking the end of free technical support and security updates from Microsoft [[1]].
Microsoft’s support policy for its operating systems is clear: Windows versions receive five years of broader support, followed by an additional five years of security updates. After this decade-long period, users are expected to upgrade to the latest version to maintain security and functionality. While businesses can opt to pay for extended support, the cost often makes upgrading to a newer version the more practical choice [[2]].
Why Windows 10 Has Been a “Sticky” OS
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Windows 10 has remained a favorite among users for several reasons. Many consumers are wary of the increased telemetry and online features in Windows 11,which some feel intrude on their privacy. Additionally, Microsoft’s decision to include ads in the Start Menu of Windows 11 has further alienated users [[3]].
Hardware requirements for Windows 11 have also posed challenges. The operating system mandates TPM 2.0, a security feature not supported by all older motherboards. this has left some users unable to upgrade without investing in new hardware.
Planning for the Transition
With Windows 10’s end of life approaching,users and businesses must prepare for the transition. Assessing hardware compatibility and exploring upgrade options will be crucial to ensure a seamless shift to Windows 11 or another supported operating system.
| Key Dates and Details |
|—————————|
| Windows 10 Release Date | July 2015 |
| End of free Support | October 2025 |
| Extended Support Option | Available for businesses at a cost |
| Windows 11 Requirement | TPM 2.0 |
As the clock ticks down to October 2025, the question remains: will users embrace Windows 11, or will they seek alternatives? One thing is certain—the end of Windows 10 marks the close of an era in computing.
Windows 11 Gains Momentum as Windows 10 Declines: What’s Driving the Shift?
The battle for dominance in the operating system market continues as Windows 11 steadily gains ground, while Windows 10 experiences a gradual decline. According to the latest data from StatCounter, Windows 11 has reached a new milestone, capturing 36.65% of the market share—its highest yet.Meanwhile, Windows 10 has dipped to 60.33%, marking a significant shift in user preferences.
Windows 11’s Rise: A Closer Look
Microsoft’s efforts to push users toward Windows 11 appear to be paying off. The company has been actively enforcing the TPM 2.0 hardware requirement for Windows 11 installations, a move designed to encourage users to upgrade to newer PCs. While some tech-savvy users have found workarounds to bypass this requirement, Microsoft remains firm in its stance, emphasizing the importance of modern hardware for enhanced security and performance.
The latest data suggests that this strategy is working. Windows 11’s market share has been steadily climbing, and experts predict a more significant uptick in upgrades as we approach 2025. This year could mark a turning point as more users transition to the newer operating system.
Windows 10’s Gradual Decline
While Windows 11 gains traction, Windows 10 continues its slow but steady decline. Onc the dominant force in the market,it now holds 60.33% of the share. This decline is partly due to Microsoft’s push for Windows 11, but it also reflects the natural lifecycle of operating systems as users and businesses gradually adopt newer technologies.
Interestingly, Windows 7 remains a notable presence, holding 2.4% of the market share. Many large organizations, especially those with embedded applications and services, prefer to stick with older versions rather than overhaul their internal networks. A prime example is the UK National Health Service (NHS), which famously clung to Windows XP for years before finally upgrading to Windows 10 in 2018.
Why Are businesses Hesitant to Upgrade?
For many enterprises, upgrading operating systems is a complex and costly process. Legacy systems frequently enough rely on older software that may not be compatible with newer versions of Windows. Additionally, the cost of upgrading hardware and retraining staff can be prohibitive.As a result, some businesses opt to pay for extended security support rather than invest in a full-scale upgrade.
The Road Ahead
As Windows 11 continues to grow, Microsoft’s focus on modern hardware and security features is highly likely to drive further adoption. However, the transition won’t happen overnight.Businesses and individual users alike will need to weigh the benefits of upgrading against the costs and challenges involved.
| Operating System | Market Share |
|——————|————–|
| Windows 11 | 36.65% |
| Windows 10 | 60.33% |
| Windows 7 | 2.4% |
Final Thoughts
The shift from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is well underway, but the journey is far from over. As Microsoft continues to enforce its hardware requirements and promote the benefits of its latest operating system, we can expect to see more users making the switch. For businesses, the decision to upgrade will depend on a variety of factors, including compatibility, cost, and the need for enhanced security.
What’s clear is that the operating system landscape is evolving, and Windows 11 is poised to play a central role in the future of computing. Whether you’re an individual user or a business leader, now is the time to consider how this shift will impact your digital strategy.
Image credit: StatCounter
Windows 11 Faces Challenges Amid Trade Wars and Market Shifts
Microsoft and its OEM partners are banking on the “end of life” status of Windows 10 to drive users toward upgrading to modern PCs running Windows 11. Though, the road ahead may not be smooth.Trade wars initiated by the United States government are threatening to increase electronics prices, with tariffs and restrictions targeting chip manufacturers and PC builders across Asia. These developments could create significant hurdles for Microsoft as it aims to expand Windows 11’s market share and integrate much-hyped AI features into the mainstream.
Despite these challenges, Windows 11 remains a dominant force in the gaming world. According to the latest Valve’s Steam Hardware Survey, Windows 11 holds a 54% share as the preferred gaming OS on PC. However, the survey also reveals a surprising twist: Windows 11 lost a small fraction of its market share in January, with users reverting to MacOS and even Windows 10.
Here’s a breakdown of the current OS market share on Steam:
| Operating System | Market Share |
|———————–|——————|
| Windows 11 | 54% |
| Windows 10 | 40% |
| Linux (Steam Deck) | 2% |
| MacOS | 1.4% |
While Windows continues to dominate Steam with a 96% overall market share, the Steam Deck is making waves by boosting Linux’s presence to 2%, surpassing MacOS’s 1.4%. This shift highlights the growing influence of handheld gaming devices in the PC ecosystem.
For those considering the upgrade to Windows 11, it’s essential to prepare your PC properly. Check out this guide on how to prep your Windows 10 PC for the upgrade to ensure a seamless transition.
As Microsoft navigates these challenges, the tech giant must balance its ambitions with the realities of global trade dynamics and shifting consumer preferences. Will Windows 11 maintain its lead, or will external factors and emerging competitors like the Steam Deck reshape the landscape? Only time will tell.
Stay tuned for more updates on Windows, Xbox, and the latest in tech. Share your thoughts on the future of Windows 11 in the comments below!
Interview: the Battle for Dominance in the operating System Market
Editor: the latest data shows Windows 11 has reached a new milestone, capturing 36.65% of the market share. How significant is this shift in the operating system landscape?
Guest: This is a significant milestone for Windows 11. It reflects Microsoft’s strategic push, especially with the TPM 2.0 hardware requirement, which encourages users to upgrade to newer PCs. While some users have bypassed this, Microsoft’s focus on security and performance is driving adoption.
editor: Despite this growth, Windows 10 still holds 60.33% of the market. Why are users and businesses hesitant to upgrade?
Guest: upgrading isn’t simple for businesses. Legacy systems often rely on older software that may not be compatible with newer versions. Plus, the cost of upgrading hardware and retraining staff is a major barrier. Many prefer to pay for extended security support rather than overhaul their systems entirely. For individual users, the familiarity and stability of Windows 10 keep them from switching promptly.
Editor: What role do older operating systems like Windows 7 play in this landscape?
Guest: Remarkably, Windows 7 still holds 2.4% of the market share. Large organizations, like the UK National health Service (NHS), often stick with older systems due to embedded applications and the high cost of transitioning. This highlights the challenge Microsoft faces in phasing out older versions.
Editor: How are trade wars and market shifts impacting Windows 11‘s growth?
Guest: Trade wars, particularly between the U.S. and Asian chip manufacturers, are threatening to increase electronics prices. This could slow down the adoption of modern PCs running Windows 11. Additionally, the rise of devices like the steam deck is boosting Linux’s market share, which could challenge Windows’ dominance in gaming and beyond.
Editor: What advice would you give to users considering upgrading to Windows 11?
Guest: Preparation is key. Users should check their PC’s compatibility, especially whether it has a TPM 2.0 chip. Microsoft’s guide on preparing your PC for the upgrade is a great resource.Also, weigh the benefits of enhanced security and performance against the potential costs of upgrading hardware.
Key Takeaways
The operating system market is evolving, with Windows 11 steadily gaining ground. However, Windows 10 remains dominant, and legacy systems like Windows 7 still pose challenges. External factors like trade wars and the rise of devices like the Steam Deck add complexity to this landscape. For users, the decision to upgrade involves careful consideration of compatibility, cost, and the need for enhanced security.
