Windows 11 still can't beat Windows 10 but worrying deadline may soon change that

There's now just over four months to go until Microsoft pulls the plug on Windows 10. With the end of life set for October 14 2025 you'd expect users to be flocking to Windows 11. However, the very latest stats from the team at Statcounter show that Windows 10 still rules the roost and user numbers actually grew slightly last month. That's compared to Windows 11 adoption which dropped.

The new chart shows that Windows 10 now has a 53.19 percent share of the market. That's compared to Windows 11 and its 43.22 percent share. Since the start of 2025, users have clearly been making the jump to Microsoft's newest operating system, with it showing huge growth over the past 6 months.

Strangely, that adoption has suddenly stagnated and there's no word on why. Since March, Windows 11 numbers grew by less than one percent.

It's a worrying statistic, especially with that Windows 10 kill-off date now looming large on the horizon.

For those not in the know, once October 14 arrives, Windows 10 users will no longer get any software updates, new features or security patches. Although PCs will still work, they will be much more prone to bugs and attacks from cyber croosk looking to take advantage of flaws that haven't been fixed.

"As a reminder, Windows 10 will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025," Microsoft explained.

"At this point technical assistance, feature updates and security updates will no longer be provided. If you have devices running Windows 10, we recommend upgrading them to Windows 11- a more current, in-service, and supported Windows release."

One sticking point for many consumers is that their older PCs simply aren't compatible with Windows 11, which means their perfectly good laptops will have to be sent to landfill whlst they are forced to buy something new.

Microsoft is offering one lifeline although it does come at cost. An Extended Security Updates (ESU) plan will be available soon and will offer security patches in a bid to keep things safe.

It's been confirmed that Windows 10 users will face a $30 (£24) per year fee but PCs enrolled will then able to receive "Critical and Important security updates".

Explaining more, Yusuf Mehdi, Executive Vice President, Consumer Chief Marketing Officer at Windows said: "We understand that some of you may require additional time while moving to a new Windows 11 PC or Copilot+ PC. During this period, you may wish to take steps to help secure your existing PC.

"For the first time ever, we’re introducing an ESU program for personal use as well. The ESU program for consumers will be a one-year option available for $30. Program enrollment will be available closer to the end of support in 2025."