In January 2023, Microsoft officially announced that support for their Windows 10 operating system, which began on 29 July 2015, would end on 14 October 2025 and that an upgrade to Windows 11 would be an immediate requirement. Leading research firms such as Canalys have also warned that if they do not upgrade to 11, around 240 million personal computers will become useless. Still, why not update to Windows 11?
Industry insiders from the technology sector suggest that Microsoft might extend the previously announced deadline, allowing users to transition to Windows 11 until the end of 2026. But these experts also emphasize the necessity of the upgrade. However, despite its launch on 5 October 2021 and availability in 110 languages, Windows 11 is generally considered non-user-friendly.
There are still many people who are hesitant to make the switch from Windows 10 to Windows 11, even though Microsoft Corporation announced that the upgrade is completely free. Below are 12 possible reasons for this reluctance. As you go through each point, consider why you might not have switched to it yet.
1) Hardware Compatibility: Windows 11 has specific and higher hardware requirements than Windows 10, including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot capabilities. Many old computers may not meet these specifications, making them ineligible for the upgrade without significant hardware updates.
2) Software Compatibility: Some specialized software or old applications may not be fully compatible with Windows 11. Users relying on specific apps for work or personal use may decide to stick with Windows 10 to ensure continued functionality.
3) Performance Concerns: New operating systems can sometimes be more resource-intensive. Users with old or less powerful hardware might be concerned about potential performance issues post-upgrade.
4) Resistance to Change: People often prefer sticking to what they know. Windows 10 is a familiar environment for many, and learning a new interface or adjusting to different functionalities in Windows 11 might not be appealing.
5) Stability and Maturity: New operating systems may have bugs or stability issues on initial release. Some users prefer waiting until the OS reaches maturity and most initial problems are solved.
6) Privacy and Security: Microsoft most likely introduces new privacy and security settings with every new Windows update. Users concerned about these changes might opt to continue with the more familiar settings of Windows 10.
7) Cost Considerations: While the upgrade to Windows 11 is free for eligible devices, those needing hardware upgrades to meet the new requirements might face significant expenses.
8) Satisfaction: Users satisfied with the performance and features of Windows 10 may not find a compelling reason to upgrade, especially if the new features in Windows 11 do not align with their needs.
9) IT Policies: In business environments, institutions with IT-based operations might delay upgrading to Windows 11. This hesitation is often due to the need for extensive testing, compatibility checks, and training to ensure a smooth transition across the organization.
10) Lack of Features: Some users might not find the new features and design changes in Windows 11 compelling enough to warrant an upgrade while Windows 10 still receives support and updates.
11) Subscription Fear: Many users are still concerned whether Windows 11 will gradually shift to a subscription-based model. Some fear that Microsoft might introduce subscriptions for certain premium features beyond the basic usage requirements.
12) Anti-Corporate Thought: This refers to a mindset that opposes Microsoft as a large corporation. It includes the idea that one should challenge or at least not easily support Microsoft’s influence, activities, and power. The concept suggests that one should only consider Microsoft’s recommendations or directions as a last resort when no other options are available.
If still not ready for an update, please note that using Windows 10 after 14 October 2025 will no longer be safe. The operating system won’t receive necessary security updates, making our computers and related networks vulnerable to malware, viruses, and other security threats. So, it’s time to get ready and embrace the inevitable change.
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