Millions Rush to Get Microsoft’s Free Windows Update Before Deadline

As the deadline for Windows 10 support draws to a close, Microsoft is facing a serious issue that might expose millions of users to security risks. It is becoming increasingly clear how urgent this changeover is, since around 850 million Windows users need to upgrade their computers and the imminence of a deadline for the Windows users to upgrade their computers appears to be turning into a security nightmare, which presents a significant challenge for Microsoft. With many consumers still reluctant to transfer, they have been bombarded with promises of features and warnings, along with the implicit danger of unforeseen expenses and even after several warnings, feature improvements, and even financial incentives. Perhaps this explains why, in the past 31 days, around 40 million holdouts have abruptly updated their PCs.

There has been a discernible change in recent weeks. In response to Microsoft’s drive and with reference to Windows 11, some 40 million people upgraded their PCs in the past month while yet some ardent supporters of Windows 10 are still unwilling to move. The Windows 10 reversed the pattern of a gradual shift to the latest version of the operating system. It’s bad news not only for Microsoft but also for consumers who will be affected and this might cause a serious security issue when support expires in October.

Users of Windows 10 can update in a number of ways. If they fulfil the required security hardware criteria, users with compatible PCs can upgrade to Windows 11 for free. Microsoft has an alternative for users who are unable or unable to upgrade: a $30 one-time payment that would prolong security updates for an additional 12 months, until October 2026. Last month, however, Microsoft softened the appeal by stating that “the free upgrade path to Windows 11 could eventually expire.”

Despite the apparent simplicity of these alternatives, Microsoft has caused uncertainty by implying that the free upgrade path to Windows 11 would soon end. The impact of the blog post was already felt, even if it was eventually removed for having “inaccurate information and a misleading headline.” Many customers may have eventually switched to Windows 11 as a result of the uncertainty.

Even though that blog post was removed due to its “inaccurate information and a misleading headline,” it could have had some influence. According to Statcounter‘s January statistics, the trend of Windows 11 upgrades has now reversed itself, with an estimated 40 million people moving from Windows 10 to Windows 11 throughout the month. Additionally, 2.5% of all Windows installations converted from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

In an otherwise challenging time for Microsoft, when several Windows 11 upgrade failures have made matters much more complicated, this is some good news. These have had an impact on a variety of software and accessory installs, most recently on different audio drivers. This is beneficial since it hasn’t stopped the upgrading trend from correcting itself.

However, the math is flawed. If that continues, 40 million users every month for the following nine months will still expose about 500 million consumers. The number of PCs that are thought to be unable to upgrade to Windows 11 without using one of many workarounds to get around hardware security checks is somewhat more than that. There must yet be a remedy for the harsh line that exists there.

Ongoing Windows 11 update failures exacerbate the problem. Numerous difficulties, including incompatibilities with software installs, audio drivers, and accessories, have been reported by users. Some customers have been even less inclined to make the switch as a result of these issues.

With a heavy emphasis on Copilot-powered AI-enabled devices, Microsoft is pitching 2025 as the year of the Windows 11 PC update. This tactic could encourage some users to update, but it doesn’t provide a complete answer to the impending security issue.

Microsoft has urged customers to view 2025 as the year of the Windows 11 PC update, with the drive toward PCs with Copilot AI at its core. However, that won’t fix this issue, even though it could spur some improvements. At a time when the threat landscape has never been worse, the anticipation continues that a record number of Windows PCs will lose security protection in October.

Microsoft may have to take extreme steps to reduce hazards as the October deadline draws near. Forced updates for qualified PCs or a “light” upgrade option for individuals with outdated hardware are two possible alternatives. Microsoft is unlikely to let the problem go unchecked, considering the magnitude of the looming security nightmare.

So, as the October deadline draws closer, the expectation to see more radical options? Perhaps. This may involve mandatory upgrades for PCs that are compatible or even an “upgrade light” for those without the necessary hardware, which has been previously proposed. Given the security nightmare that would ensue, The Forbes writer, Zak Doffman, cannot imagine the issue being left uncontrolled.

How Microsoft handles this problem over the next months will be crucial. In a fast changing cyber threat scenario, users who are still using Windows 10 should start organizing their next course of action to prevent losing security support.