A new survey has revealed that a majority of Windows users still haven’t moved to Windows 11, despite Microsoft’s looming deadline and growing security concerns.
Windows 11 Promised a Leap Forward
When Windows 11 launched in October 2021, Microsoft described it as a fresh start for the world’s most widely used desktop operating system. The company pitched it as more than just a visual refresh, i.e. it was billed as faster, smarter, more secure, and better integrated with new hardware and cloud-powered AI features. Yet nearly four years later, new research by TechRadar has found that only 43 per cent of users say they’ve made the switch.
Most Still on Windows 10 or Older – 14 October Date Looming
This means that the remaining 57 per cent are still on Windows 10 or even older versions, despite the clock ticking down to 14 October 2025, when Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10. After that date, no more security patches or updates will be issued unless users pay for costly extended support contracts through the new ESU (Extended Security Updates) programme.
What’s Stopping Users From Upgrading?
According to the TechRadar survey, part of the issue is confusion. For example, while 55 per cent of users said they knew “exactly” which version of Windows they were running, the remaining 45 per cent were uncertain to some degree. Also, it seems that over 12 per cent had no idea at all. This uncertainty makes it harder for users to feel urgency around upgrading, particularly when their systems still appear to function normally.
Even more concerning, the results appear to show that a significant number of people don’t understand what their devices are capable of. For example, although 53 per cent of users claimed their PCs or laptops met the minimum requirements for Windows 11, only 40 per cent could say how much RAM they actually had. Of those, around one in four gave wildly inaccurate answers, with some naming specs that don’t exist in consumer devices.
This gap between perception and reality is, therefore, one of the key barriers. To install Windows 11, devices must meet stringent requirements, including Secure Boot, TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module), and at least 4GB of RAM. Older devices (even those still performing well) often fail to meet these specifications. For example, according to a Lansweeper study from 2022, around 42 per cent of business devices tested did not pass Windows 11’s CPU compatibility checks, and 15 per cent lacked TPM 2.0.
Users Say They’re Willing, But Don’t Act
Interestingly, TechRadar’s research also found that many users are optimistic about upgrading. More than half of respondents said they’d be confident doing the upgrade themselves, yet those same respondents often lacked basic knowledge about their systems’ specs. This suggests a large proportion of users are either unaware of what’s actually involved or overestimate their readiness.
The survey also found that 28 per cent of users explicitly stated their devices didn’t meet the system requirements in some way. Another 14 per cent didn’t know what Windows 11 required at all, and 4 per cent didn’t know what specs their devices had.
This echoes a broader trend identified by other studies. For example, a Canalys report from late 2023 showed that enterprises were “reluctant to refresh hardware” unless absolutely necessary, with many still clinging to fleets of Windows 10 devices because of cost constraints, particularly in the public sector and small business environments.
How Users Can Check If Their Device Is Ready for Windows 11
As noted earlier, one of the reasons why users may not be upgrading to Windows 11 is that they simply don’t know whether their current device meets the system requirements for Windows 11. Fortunately, Microsoft has provided tools to help users check their eligibility and plan accordingly.
The most straightforward option is the PC Health Check app, a free utility from Microsoft that runs a full compatibility check. Once downloaded and installed, the app scans the device’s hardware to confirm whether it meets Windows 11’s key requirements, including CPU model, RAM, storage space, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0 support. If the user’s device is compatible, the tool will confirm this clearly. If not, it will list which components fall short.
For those managing multiple devices, particularly in a business setting, more advanced tools are available. Microsoft’s Endpoint Analytics within Intune allows IT teams to assess upgrade readiness across their estate, while other third-party platforms such as Lansweeper and PDQ Inventory offer detailed Windows 11 compatibility reporting.
As mentioned earlier, the minimum requirements for Windows 11 include a 64-bit processor with at least 1GHz clock speed and 2 or more cores, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage, alongside UEFI firmware with Secure Boot and TPM 2.0. Microsoft maintains a full list of compatible processors and guidance on how to check for TPM using the Windows Security settings or command prompt.
If users are unsure about their device’s hardware, they can access system information by typing “System Information” in the Start menu or using “dxdiag” via the Run command. These tools reveal processor type, memory size, and other key details. Alternatively, third-party tools like Speccy or CPU-Z can offer a clearer breakdown.
Crucially, checking compatibility now gives users time to prepare whether that means freeing up space, enabling TPM in the BIOS, or budgeting for new equipment. For businesses, it provides the insight needed to build a phased upgrade plan, avoiding the cost and disruption of last-minute decisions.
The Business Risk Is Growing
For business users, the stakes are actually high. For example, once Windows 10 support ends in October this year, organisations that haven’t upgraded will be exposed to security vulnerabilities, compliance risks, and potential loss of functionality. Cybercriminals often target unsupported systems because they’re easier to exploit.
As Chris Morrissey, a senior analyst at Forrester recently pointed out in a webinar, “Windows 10 reaching end-of-support in 2025 is not just a technical milestone—it’s a business continuity issue,” and that “We’re already seeing a rise in ransomware attacks on legacy systems, and unpatched endpoints are a key vector.”
Pay for Windows 10 Security Updates for 3 Years After 2025
The upcoming Microsoft Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme, aimed at organisations that need more time, will, however, offer security updates for up to three years after 2025, but at a significant cost. For businesses with hundreds or thousands of endpoints, this could quickly become expensive.
Features Alone Aren’t Driving Migration
Despite Microsoft’s emphasis on new features, e.g. integrated Copilot AI tools, improved virtual desktops, enhanced gaming performance, and faster boot times, these haven’t been enough to convince the majority of users to make the leap.
Critics have pointed out that many of Windows 11’s enhancements feel incremental, not essential. Also, some power users and IT administrators have raised concerns about changes to the Start menu and taskbar, which have removed or restructured functionality found in Windows 10. For example, in a widely shared Reddit thread among sysadmins, one commenter described the Windows 11 interface as “a step forward in looks but a step backwards in control.”
Even Microsoft has acknowledged that uptake has been slower than expected. In a blog post from April 2024, the company said it was “continuing to invest in helping users transition” and hinted at further incentives, including possible discount offers for Windows 11-compatible hardware bundles.
Larger Devices, Longer Lifecycles
There also appears to be a practical reason why many users are waiting, i.e. PC lifecycles have lengthened. Where once businesses refreshed desktops every three to four years, it’s now common to extend that to six or more. The pandemic’s remote work boom saw a spike in PC sales in 2020–2021, meaning many organisations feel they’ve only recently upgraded, even if those machines aren’t compatible with Windows 11.
This mismatch is a challenge for Microsoft, which relies on regular upgrade cycles to keep its ecosystem secure and standardised. But for IT departments already stretched for budget and time, replacing functioning machines purely for compliance is a hard sell.
What Happens Next?
Microsoft is expected to step up its messaging later this year, particularly as the October 2025 deadline approaches. Experts believe we’ll see more nudges built into Windows 10 itself, with system tray notifications and update prompts likely to become more persistent.
The pressure is also likely to increase on IT providers, MSPs and corporate procurement teams. As the deadline nears, demand for Windows 11-compatible hardware will rise, and possibly outstrip supply, particularly in niche sectors. Businesses that wait until 2025 to start planning may face disruption, higher costs, or difficulty securing replacement devices in time.
For now, the message from Microsoft is to check compatibility, and don’t assume your device is ready just because it runs smoothly. It could, therefore, be said that for both individuals and organisations, the real risk is waiting too long to begin, rather than the upgrade itself.
What Does This Mean for Your Business?
The message from all the available evidence is that time is running out, and the level of readiness among users, particularly within SMEs and the public sector, is not where it needs to be. While many may believe they are prepared to make the switch to Windows 11, a large proportion either misunderstand the system requirements or are using devices that are simply not capable of upgrading. Optimism alone will not prevent a security breach once Windows 10 support ends.
For UK businesses, the stakes are especially high. For example, operating unsupported systems after October 2025 introduces real risks such as those from cyberattacks, regulatory penalties, and operational downtime. Even for those considering Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates, the cost of delay could add up quickly. Replacing hardware on short notice, under pressure, and potentially amid supply chain constraints could impact budgets and business continuity plans. Those with critical dependencies on specific Windows-based applications will also need time to test, validate, and train staff on new systems.
This could be regarded, therefore, as not so much a technical migration, but more of a strategic operational shift with implications for cybersecurity, procurement, compliance, and long-term planning. If the research is anything to go by, it seems that many stakeholders across IT, finance, and leadership teams need to coordinate now, rather than waiting until the upgrade becomes unavoidable. Otherwise, organisations risk finding themselves caught between rising security threats, stretched resources, and avoidable costs.
For Microsoft, the slow uptake also presents challenges. For example, delays in user migration hold back the rollout of its AI-led desktop vision and extend the support burden for legacy systems. Unless adoption improves, the company may have to offer new incentives, extend transition periods, or risk reputational damage if a large number of users are left behind.
The choice for users and organisations is, therefore, becoming clearer, i.e., start planning for Windows 11 or prepare to pay a premium to stay where you are. The longer the delay, the fewer options will remain.
