TLDR: Despite Windows 10‘s end of support in October 2025, it still holds 62.7% of the desktop market share, posing a major risk for businesses and users unaware of the impending security vulnerabilities. This article explains why Windows 10’s continued dominance is concerning and what users need to do to prepare for the shift to Windows 11.
Windows 10: Still Dominating But Soon to Lose Support
As we approach October 2025, a looming deadline for the end of support for Windows 10, a startling reality is becoming clearer: Windows 10 continues to dominate the desktop market. According to recent data from Statcounter, Windows 10 still holds 62.7% of the global desktop market share as of December 2024. This is despite the fact that Windows 11 has been available for years and Windows 10 is set to reach its end-of-life in October 2025. For many users, this delay in transitioning to Windows 11 could soon lead to significant risks as they become vulnerable to unpatched security vulnerabilities.
Why Windows 10 is Still the Go-To Operating System
Even with Windows 11 available, Windows 10 remains the operating system of choice for millions of users, especially in enterprise and government sectors. Many businesses prefer Windows 10 due to its stability, compatibility with legacy systems, and minimal disruption during IT refresh cycles. IT departments across the globe continue to opt for Windows 10 because it has proven reliability and works well with existing infrastructure.
In the U.S., Windows 10’s market share grew from 58% in October 2024 to 67% by December 2024, largely due to enterprise and government procurement choices. For organizations purchasing new computers, Windows 10 is often still the default, whether pre-installed or manually installed as part of corporate IT refreshes.
The Concern: A Coming Security Crisis
Despite its dominance, Windows 10 is on track to lose support by October 2025. This means Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, leaving millions of systems vulnerable to new and evolving threats like ransomware, malware, and data breaches. Without critical security patches, users of Windows 10 will become easy targets for cybercriminals who exploit these gaps.
Additionally, enterprises that continue using Windows 10 may face compliance issues. Many industries, including healthcare, finance, and government, rely on software and systems that must meet strict compliance requirements. Once support ends, continued use of Windows 10 could expose these organizations to regulatory violations and data protection breaches.
What’s Driving the Delay in Windows 11 Adoption?
There are a few key reasons why Windows 10 continues to maintain such a strong presence:
- Hardware Compatibility Issues: Windows 11 requires newer hardware, including a TPM 2.0 chip and a relatively recent CPU. For organizations with older hardware, upgrading to Windows 11 is often not viable, and many choose to stick with Windows 10.
- Enterprise Stability: Many businesses prefer Windows 10 because it offers a more familiar interface and greater compatibility with the software they’ve been using for years. Changing operating systems requires training, system testing, and potential disruptions to workflows—costs that enterprises are often reluctant to incur.
- Familiarity with Windows 10: Users are often hesitant to adopt Windows 11 because of a fear of change or negative perceptions regarding the new interface and features. Windows 10 has been a trusted operating system for years, and organizations are comfortable with it.
What Happens After October 2025?
Once Windows 10 reaches its end of support, users and organizations will have a couple of options:
- Extended Security Updates (ESU): Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates (ESU) for a fee, allowing users to continue receiving critical security patches. However, this is a short-term solution and won’t provide new features or improvements.
- Upgrade to Windows 11: Users and businesses will need to transition to Windows 11, which will continue receiving security updates and new features. This transition will require a hardware upgrade for many users and may involve compatibility checks and application testing.
- Windows 10 LTSC: The Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) version of Windows 10 will remain supported beyond 2025 for specific organizations that need stability and security without upgrading to Windows 11. However, these versions are not ideal for most businesses, as they don’t include feature updates and are best suited for specialized environments.
How Can Businesses Prepare for Windows 10’s End of Support?
As the October 2025 deadline approaches, it’s important for businesses and organizations to plan their migration strategy. Here’s what businesses can do to prepare for the end of Windows 10 support:
- Assess Hardware Compatibility: Check if your existing hardware meets the Windows 11 requirements. If it doesn’t, plan for hardware upgrades.
- Evaluate Software Compatibility: Ensure that your critical business applications are compatible with Windows 11. Test new operating systems in a sandbox environment to catch potential issues before they affect your workforce.
- Implement a Migration Plan: Create a detailed migration strategy that includes timelines, hardware and software assessments, employee training, and IT support.
- Backup and Secure Data: Ensure all important data is securely backed up before upgrading or changing operating systems. Data protection and backup solutions like Isogent’s Cloud Complete can help secure your organization’s critical data during the transition.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on Microsoft’s updates and announcements regarding Windows 10’s end of support. Understanding the timeline and your options will help you make informed decisions.
Conclusion: Be Ready Before October 2025
While Windows 10 still holds a significant share of the market, its end of support in 2025 presents a looming security risk. Businesses that delay migration to Windows 11 will face increasing vulnerabilities, compliance issues, and missed opportunities for innovation.
Isogent is here to help your organization with secure transitions to Windows 11 and to ensure your data protection and backup strategies are solid. As the industry moves toward cyber resilience, make sure your business is prepared with the right tools, expertise, and support.
