Oct 15, 2025 16:11:00

Windows 10 is still being used by 40% of Windows PCs, even before support ends

Support for Windows 10

ended on October 14, 2025. While the end of support won't mean the OS won't start or any features will become unusable, Microsoft is urging users to update to Windows 11 because feature and security updates will no longer be provided, posing safety concerns. However, it has been found that even just before support for Windows 10 ended, 40% of all Windows PCs were still running Windows 10.

Windows 10 support “ends” today, but it's just the first of many deaths - Ars Technica
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/10/windows-10-support-ends-today-but-its-just-the-first-of-many-deaths/

According to the US market share information by Windows version published by the statistical information service

Statcounter , Windows 10 boasted a nearly 90% share as the main OS as of 2021. Even after the release of Windows 11 in 2022, the transition was slow, and as of the end of 2024, it still had a market share of over 60%. However, by March 2025, its market share had finally fallen below 50%, to 43.71%, and it was overtaken by Windows 11, which accounted for 53.78% of the market share.

Since then, Windows 10's market share has not recovered significantly, but it did not suddenly drop in the run-up to the end of support, and even in September 2025, just before the end of support, it still held 35.43% of the market. This figure is for the US alone, so the global figure is thought to be closer to 40%.

Desktop Windows Version Market Share United States Of America | Statcounter Global Stats

Microsoft offers a program that extends security updates for one year for environments that cannot migrate to Windows 11 or for users who choose not to migrate. This program is designed to extend the safe use of Windows 10, so new features will not be added.

Microsoft announces free registration option for program offering one year of extended security updates for Windows 10 - GIGAZINE

Andrew Cunningham of the news site Ars Technica points out that it's unclear when extended support for Windows 10 will end, depending on how quickly Windows 11 becomes available.