Millions of devices remain classified as Windows 10 holdouts even though many can move to Windows 11 without difficulty. Analysts estimate that roughly half of all existing Windows 10 machines meet the hardware requirements for Microsoft’s latest operating system. Many users still choose to stay on Windows 10, which now operates without security updates. This growing number of unsupported systems creates long-term risk for consumers, businesses and critical infrastructures.
How many devices remain on Windows 10
Industry estimates indicate that around one billion devices still run Windows 10. Roughly 500 million of those machines can support Windows 11. The remaining portion lacks hardware such as TPM 2.0, newer CPUs or secure-boot capabilities.
Dell shared figures during an earnings briefing that reinforced the scale of the situation. According to the company, hundreds of millions of Windows 10 machines remain on an OS that no longer receives standard patches. This trend surprised analysts, who expected a faster move to a supported platform after the end of Windows 10 updates.
Why upgrade-ready users avoid moving to Windows 11
Many users resist upgrades because their current workflows function reliably. They prefer familiar interfaces, consistent performance and stable environments. Businesses with large device fleets face additional hurdles. Extensive upgrade cycles require time, planning and budget. Some IT teams still conduct compatibility tests for key applications or wait for internal approval.
Privacy concerns also influence decisions. Windows 11 enforces stronger account integration, mandatory online setup in several editions and hardware-level security requirements. Some users dislike these conditions and postpone the upgrade until it becomes unavoidable. Organisations may also avoid changes that introduce new default telemetry settings.
Security risks created by unsupported systems
Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The operating system no longer receives security patches, leaving every unpatched device exposed to vulnerabilities. Attackers often target older systems because exploits remain effective for long periods. As more unsupported machines stay active, the overall attack surface expands.
Businesses that keep Windows 10 systems in production risk malware outbreaks, ransomware incidents and compliance failures. The absence of updates increases the chance of credential theft, privilege escalation and data corruption. Unsupported machines also create opportunities for lateral movement inside corporate networks.
Options available for users and organisations
Users should first confirm whether their hardware supports Windows 11 by checking system requirements. Devices that qualify can upgrade through Windows Update or a clean installation. Businesses should plan structured rollouts, test critical tools and adopt group policies that manage new features.
Devices that fail to meet hardware requirements must move to alternatives sooner or later. Users can join Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for a limited period, although this option involves additional cost. Organisations with large Windows 10 fleets must evaluate replacement cycles and budget for new hardware.
Systems that remain on Windows 10 temporarily need extra protection. Users should enable reputable antivirus tools, monitor networks for unusual activity and apply strict access controls.
Why this trend matters
A large population of Windows 10 holdouts weakens global cybersecurity. Unsupported devices introduce predictable vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit at scale. Modern threat campaigns often succeed because outdated endpoints create convenient entry points. The slow migration to Windows 11 demonstrates how upgrade fatigue, hardware limitations and policy resistance combine to create long-term exposure.
Conclusion
The Windows 10 holdouts trend highlights a serious gap between hardware capability and actual adoption of Windows 11. Many compatible machines remain on an unsupported OS, increasing the likelihood of security incidents. Users and organisations must assess their position and take action, since Windows 10 now operates without critical updates. Every unpatched device represents a growing liability in an environment shaped by escalating cyberthreats.
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