Millions of users say they’ll keep using Windows 10 past end of life, despite losing security support
- Only half will upgrade the operating system or device, a quarter refuse to upgrade from Windows 10
- UK customers can get the 1-year free ESU, but it won’t be automatic
- Consumers can also get e-waste reduction assistance when upgrading
With Windows 10 end of life coming next week, new research has revealed exactly how many people plan to upgrade, and it doesn’t look good for Microsoft.
The study of which?
With 21 million people still using a Windows 10 device, that means 5.4 million Windows 10 devices could still be in use after the October 14, 2025 deadline, putting users at risk of attack.
Windows 10 is not going anywhere at all
With 26% planning to continue using Windows 10, just over half will upgrade their existing device’s operating system (39%) or upgrade their entire device to support Windows 11 (14%). Six percent even said they would convert to another operating system following the planned depreciation.
Which? Note Microsoft is offering a free year of Windows 10 Security (ESU) to UK and European customers, although the company has recently been criticized for not offering the extension in other markets around the world (including the US).
Even so, the free year ESU will not happen automatically. Instead, users should opt out by backing up their Windows settings to OneDrive.
Which? Editor-in-chief Lisa Barber summarized: “If you don’t take action, you could become more vulnerable to hackers and scams.”
The report also highlighted that UK retailers must help consumers safely and responsibly dispose of old devices when upgrading, under the Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive, but while this may reduce e-waste through recycling schemes, this does not always translate into financial savings and incentives.
Except for a small blip in August, Windows 10’s market share has declined steadily since Windows 11’s launch, but it wasn’t until July 2025 that the new operating system surpassed its predecessor (via StatCounter).
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