Given that Microsoft have extended their extended security updates (ESU) an extra year, which itself was an extension of the end of support, should you similarly delay upgrading your system? It depends, but a local IT support service can help you navigate this complex choice.
Why Has Windows 10’s Support Period Been Extended?
Whilst Windows 10 reached its end of support date on 14th October 2025, Microsoft responded to criticism from home and business users alike by announcing an ESU programme that gives people longer to decide with regards to whether they will upgrade or not.
Whilst there are no new features, it helps keep the system protected from major exploits that could damage the system and cause wider security hazards and liabilities.
This is the main motivation for the ESU: as there is still a significant proportion of the global computer market using Windows 10, which has seemingly increased by nearly two per cent between May and June 2026.
Why Are People Not Upgrading To Windows 11?
Some people cannot upgrade from Windows 10 due to stringent hardware requirements that make Windows 11 run poorly or not at all, whilst other people object to various design and interface changes.
Windows 11 spent a significant amount of 2024 and 2025 integrating features users adamantly did not want, most notably the AI assistant Copilot.
Updates have regularly broken major features, such as the ability to log in, requiring out-of-band emergency updates to fix.
What is rather shocking is that these issues are happening at a greater frequency five years into Windows 11’s development than they were when it initially launched.
Should You Upgrade To Windows 11?
If you have a relatively powerful system or would benefit from some of the new features, then upgrading will save you from being nagged to do so or risk vulnerabilities.
However, if you are not keen on Windows 11 or cannot upgrade due to your computer, there are alternatives available that may be more suited to how you use your computer and allow you to keep using working hardware for years to come.
