Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will no longer receive any security updates after October 14, 2025. This means that users will have to either buy an additional maintenance package or upgrade to Windows 11 if they want to keep their systems secure. Individual users can buy one year of updates, while companies and institutions will have up to three years of support available.
Market share of Windows 10 and Windows 11
According to data from StatCounter, Windows 10 is currently running on 63% of Windows desktops worldwide. In comparison, Windows 11 is running on only 34%.
However, the gap is slightly less in the Netherlands. There, Windows 10 has a share of 55% and Windows 11 has a share of 44%.
But, will this change happen soon? Probably not. According to Canalys, many companies and institutions will take time to replace their Windows 10 computers with Windows 11 machines. Canalys says that the ‘Windows 11 transition’ will still be a long way off.
TPM 2.0: An important condition
Microsoft has clarified that Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 will be mandatory for Windows 11 and future Windows versions. This means that some older computers, which do not have this module, cannot upgrade to Windows 11.
What is TPM 2.0? This is a hardware-based security feature that makes your device secure by encrypting data. But it is also the biggest hurdle of the update as older systems do not support this module.
Will 240 million PCs become e-waste?
Canalys has given a serious warning that about 240 million PCs can become ‘e-waste’ due to the end of Windows 10 support. This will be a big challenge for the environment. If they are not recycled properly, this e-waste will not only increase pollution but will also waste expensive resources.
Advice for users:
Check your computer: To know whether your system supports Windows 11 or not, you can check by visiting Microsoft’s official website.
Plan an upgrade: If your computer does not support TPM 2.0, prepare to buy a new system.
Recycle e-waste: Instead of throwing away the old computer, recycle it properly.
Prioritize security: If upgrading is not possible, opt for additional security updates from Microsoft.
Additional information:
History of Windows 10: Windows 10 was first launched on 29 July 2015 and became the most popular operating system of its time.
Advantages of Windows 11: Windows 11 comes with improved user interface, advanced security features and is specially designed for gaming.
E-waste problem: E-waste is a growing problem for the environment. In countries like India, it is necessary to have a proper recycling system for e-waste.
It will take time to adopt this change, but it is certain that it will prove to be a turning point for both technology and environment.
