Microsoft's Free Upgrade Deadline—Millions Of Windows Users Suddenly Move

Forbes

01-04-2025

Millions of Windows users suddenly switch
NurPhoto via Getty Images
All change for Microsoft Windows users. A raft of new decisions in March change how you use your PC, from password deletions to account access, and even a new blue screen of death. But the most critical decision came by way of Microsoft's posts and emails warning users of 'data breaches, identity theft, and other serious consequences.'
Microsoft is targeting the hundreds of millions of users sticking with Windows 10, despite its end of support now just over six months away. The move to Windows 11 is free for eligible, licensed PCs at least until then. Miss that date, though, and 'when your OS is no longer getting those all-important security updates, it can be a bit like leaving your front door wide open,' all of which, Microsoft warns, is 'not fun.'
And now there's suddenly real movement, as a staggering 4% of Windows 10 users switch in a month after holding out for years. According to the latest from Statcounter, the share of users on Windows 10 has dropped down to 54% from almost 70% a year ago, while Windows 11's market share is more than 40% (42.7%) for the first time.
Windows 11 surges
Statcounter
The bad news for Microsoft and all those Windows 10 users is that there is a hard red line somewhere in this number, with PCs incapable of the upgrade to Windows 11. This is down to the security hardware restrictions Microsoft has placed on PCs eligible to move. This hard line has been markedly reinforced in recent weeks, as various workarounds are shut down and users are told not to update ineligible PCs.
We think — but don't know for sure — this impacts around 240 million PCs, leaving users no choice but to change hardware to maintain a fully supported Windows OS. This could be from October 14 this year, albeit there will be a paid ($30) 12-month extension for home users and a longer, more expensive extension for business users.
The biggest threat will come in the first 12-18 months post October 14, when PCs are at risk as users ponder what to do next. Expect some cyber security chaos for a while. From that hard date, 'Microsoft will no longer provide software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Transitioning to Windows 11 is essential for maintaining your access to the latest security features.'