Windows 11 Can't Kill Off Windows 10: Microsoft Accepts Reality

Microsoft has largely given up trying to push Windows 10 users to switch to Windows 11, five years after the latter's launch in 2021. Despite extended support for Windows 10 ending in 2027, many hardcore users are refusing to abandon ship due to various reasons. According to IT management company Lansweeper, Windows 10 still holds a 17% market share among PCs in the enterprise ecosystem.

This is lower than its peak of around 40% in October 2025, but it's not expected to drop dramatically anytime soon. Lansweeper notes that 'the easy migrations are done,' and what's left are 'hardcore devices' that can't or won't switch to Windows 11.

HP, one of Microsoft's OEM partners, also confirms that Windows 10 is still widely used, with around 30% of its installed base running the outdated operating system. The company attributes this to the fact that many users who wanted to upgrade have already done so, leaving behind only those who are 'stubborn' and refuse to let go of Windows 10.

The numbers also show that healthcare, pharma, and consumer retail industries account for a large chunk of unsupported Windows 10 PCs. These devices will eventually become more vulnerable to security risks, with the current market share gap between Windows 10 and Windows 11 being 2.9 times higher.