Windows 11: Adoption, Hardware, and the Cost to Upgrade

As the October 2025 deadline for Windows 10 approaches, businesses and individual users are increasingly upgrading to Windows 11 instead of risking security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues

Three years after its release in October 2021, Windows 11 has finally made significant inroads, steadily gaining market share and establishing itself as a viable upgrade for many Windows users. This article delves into the recent and historical uptake of Windows 11, the current trends in new PC and laptop purchases, and the cost associated with upgrading or replacing your existing system.

The rise of Windows 11: From slow start to significant growth

Initially, Windows 11 faced a slow adoption rate, capturing less than 10% of installations by the end of its first year. Many users, content with Windows 10, saw little reason to upgrade. However, 2024 and 2025 have witnessed a substantial acceleration in Windows 11 adoption, with market share reaching 35.55% in October 2024 and exceeding 50% in July 2025, according to StatCounter Gobal Stats. This surge can be attributed to several factors:

• End of Windows 10 Support: Microsoft's planned end-of-support date for Windows 10 (October 14, 2025) has become a significant driver for upgrades. While paid Extended Security Updates (ESUs) are available, most home users and businesses are unlikely to opt for continued fees, making the transition to Windows 11 a more appealing option.

• New Features and Enhancements: Windows 11 offers a redesigned user interface, improved security features, performance optimizations, and built-in support for AI-driven tools like Copilot, says PCMag UK. These enhancements, coupled with the improved gaming experience (DirectStorage, Auto HDR, Snap Layouts), have resonated with a broad spectrum of users, including businesses and gamers.

• PC Refresh Cycle: The natural cycle of hardware replacement plays a crucial role in operating system adoption. As older machines are retired and replaced, users are increasingly opting for new PCs and laptops that come with Windows 11 pre-installed, notes TechPowerUp. This trend is further fueled by the return-to-office initiatives and the growing demand for devices optimized for hybrid work environments.

New PCs and laptops: Driving Windows 11 adoption

The increase in PC and laptop sales has directly impacted Windows 11's market share. In the first quarter of 2025, global PC shipments saw a 9.4% year-over-year increase, reaching 62.7 million units, according to Canalys. This surge is attributed to a combination of factors, including:

• Anticipated Tariffs: PC manufacturers have pushed sales in anticipation of potential tariffs, leading to increased demand.

• End of Windows 10 Support: The looming deadline for Windows 10 support is encouraging users to upgrade their hardware and software, driving sales of Windows 11-ready devices.

• AI-Optimized PCs: The emergence of AI-capable PCs, like Copilot+ PCs, is also boosting sales, with these devices accounting for nearly one in four of all PCs shipped in late 2024. Canalys predicts this figure will rise to 35% in 2025.

Manufacturers like Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Apple are all experiencing growth in PC and laptop shipments, with Apple seeing a particularly impressive 22.1% year-over-year increase in Q1 2025, says Windows Central. This strong demand across various manufacturers indicates a broader shift towards newer hardware and, consequently, Windows 11.

The cost to upgrade: Free for most, but with caveats

For users running a current version of Windows 10 (version 22H2 or later) on compatible hardware, the upgrade to Windows 11 is free. You can check your system's eligibility using the PC Health Check app.

However, several considerations might affect the overall cost:

• Hardware Compatibility: Older PCs that do not meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, such as the need for TPM 2.0 and newer CPUs, will not be able to upgrade. In such cases, purchasing a new Windows 11 PC or laptop is necessary, incurring the cost of a new device.

• Metered Internet Connections: The Windows 11 upgrade download is large, and users with metered internet connections may incur additional fees from their ISP.

• Software and Accessories: While most software and accessories compatible with Windows 10 are expected to work with Windows 11, it's prudent to check with individual publishers or manufacturers for specific product compatibility. In some cases, a new purchase or subscription might be required.

• Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10: For those unable or unwilling to upgrade to Windows 11, Microsoft offers paid ESUs for Windows 10 after the end-of-support date. This comes at a cost, with consumers being offered an extra year of security updates for €/£30

• Microsoft Office: Support for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, meaning users on Windows 10 may experience performance and reliability issues over time. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11 to maintain a supported configuration. Support for non-subscription Office versions like Office 2016 and 2019 will also end on October 14, 2025, across all operating systems. Office 2024 and 2021 will continue to run on Windows 10 but will no longer be supported.

In conclusion

Windows 11 has transitioned from a slow-starter to a dominant force in the operating system landscape. Driven by the impending end of Windows 10 support, a robust PC refresh cycle, and a suite of new features and AI-driven capabilities, its adoption is accelerating rapidly. While the upgrade itself is free for eligible PCs, the cost of acquiring compatible hardware and the considerations surrounding software and extended support options play a role in the overall transition cost.

As the October 2025 deadline for Windows 10 approaches, businesses and individual users are increasingly upgrading to Windows 11 instead of risking security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues with an ever aging operating system.

Here at Southwell Computer Centre we aim to take all the pain and hassle out of upgrading to new hardware and/or Windows 11. We've done it hundreds of times and will be here to help you through the maze.