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.

In an update to a Windows 11 support document as spotted by Neowin, Microsoft warns that a watermark will be added to the desktop on any PC that's been upgraded to Windows 11 without meeting the minimum requirements. Further, a notification may pop up in the Settings app to indicate that the computer doesn't meet the necessary requirements.

Microsoft partners ready themselves for the Windows 10 to Windows 11 refresh cycle, where they could persuade customers to upgrade to Copilot+ and AI PCs from Dell, HP, Lenovo.

More than 800 million Windows 10 users and another 50 million on even older, already obsolete versions of Windows. Of the 800 million Windows 10 users, more than 400 million likely don’t meet the TPM 2.0 threshold.

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.

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.