The interesting twist to these Windows 10 numbers is the 400 million or so users that don’t have the right hardware to upgrade. While there are various options to upgrade on a non-compatible PC, Microsoft has just firmed up its warning that doing so could stop further updates and even invalidate any hardware warranties still in place.

Microsoft updates all docs against Windows 10 and won't budge from the pre-decided retirement date for the decade old operating system.

Microsoft warns 400 million PCs risk losing updates as Windows 10 support ends in 2025. Users must upgrade hardware for Windows 11, pay for extended security, or risk cybersecurity threats.

The global numbers fall within the margin of error to some extent, but the US numbers seem more clear-cut. This change comes after Microsoft’s confirmation of a 12-month extended support option for Windows 1 users from next October. This will cost $30 per PC, but for those stubborn Windows 10 holdouts, it could be worth it.

With Windows 10's end-of-support deadline approaching in October 2025, these users face a dilemma: either update to Windows 11 with potential compatibility issues or continue using Windows 10 and risk losing security updates.