The end of Windows 10 is drawing near, but the transition to Windows 11 remains anything but smooth. Microsoft’s deadline for cutting off free updates for its older operating system arrives in less than two months, yet a new report from PC makers Dell and HP indicates that only around half of Windows PCs worldwide have actually upgraded to Windows 11. The other half remain firmly planted on Windows 10, with little expectation of a last-minute surge in upgrades.
Industry analysts say the split is driven by clear economic incentives. Enterprises with long-term planning strategies, especially those with regulatory or security requirements, are more inclined to invest in upgrades now to avoid complications down the line. In contrast, small and midsized businesses—already notorious for stretching the life of existing hardware—see little reason to embrace change until forced. The upfront costs of replacing PCs or retraining staff weigh heavily in their calculations, especially in a climate of financial caution.
Consumers, too, are showing resistance. Economic pressures, rising PC prices, and lingering tariffs on imported technology products are discouraging buyers from splurging on new machines. Though the tariffs have been declared unlawful in U.S. courts, they remain in place during the appeals process, effectively locking in price hikes on laptops, desktops, and components. Against this backdrop, Microsoft’s push for a quick transition to Windows 11 feels out of sync with consumer sentiment.
It’s no surprise, then, that Microsoft has made concessions. The company is offering extended security updates for Windows 10 users willing to navigate the program, providing a path for those who cannot or will not switch immediately. Even so, the numbers suggest a long road ahead for Windows 11 adoption, with economic headwinds and user reluctance slowing Microsoft’s timetable. For now, Windows 10 is proving far more resilient than Redmond may have hoped.