Not every Windows PC can participate:
A recent analysis by IT analysis firm ControlUp shows that globally, around 13% of all Windows devices are not compatible with Windows 11 – even with workarounds or minor hardware upgrades. With over 1.4 billion active Windows systems, this equates to approximately 182 million PCs. For these computers, the update path ends at Windows 10 at the latest.
1. The Hardware Hurdle for Windows 11
With Windows 11, Microsoft has significantly tightened the minimum requirements compared to Windows 10. The main stumbling blocks are:
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) – Mandatory for security features, often not built into older motherboards.
- Compatible Processors – Only Intel Core 8th generation or AMD Ryzen 2000 and newer.
- UEFI with Secure Boot – Older BIOS versions are excluded.
If even one of these criteria is missing, the upgrade is officially denied – even if the PC is still technically powerful.
2. Who is particularly affected?
- Companies with long-lifecycle devices: Many companies keep their hardware in use for 5–8 years.
- Private users of older laptops and desktops: Devices from before 2018 are often incompatible.
- Special and industrial computers: Often with older, stable platforms that cannot be easily replaced.
3. Market Shares: Global vs. Germany
According to Statcounter (July 2025), Windows 11 has taken the lead globally: approximately 51% of systems use it, while Windows 10 is at 46%.
In Germany, the situation is different: Windows 10 still dominates here with over 56%, while Windows 11 accounts for around 41%. Many German users and companies are still hesitant to switch.
4. Upgrade Readiness and Hard Facts
The ControlUp study shows:
- About 50% of consumer PCs and 40% of enterprise devices still run Windows 10.
- 87% of these systems would actually be compatible – but have not yet upgraded.
- Around 25% of consumer PCs and 24% of enterprise devices must be completely replaced as they have no upgrade option.
5. End of Support and New Deadlines
Official Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025.
However, a new development is that Microsoft is extending free security support for private users until October 2026 – but only for one year and with a Microsoft account.
For businesses and beyond, the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program applies:
- Year 1: approx. €61 per device (business) / approx. €30 (private)
- Years 2 and 3: increasing costs
- Final end in October 2028
6. What options do affected users have?
Option 1: Continue with Windows 10
Possible with ESU until 2028, but with costs (except for the free year for private users).
Option 2: Unofficial installations
Tools like "Rufus" can install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware – but without Microsoft's guarantee.
Option 3: Switch to Linux
Distributions like Linux Mint or Ubuntu run stably even on older computers and offer modern security features.
Option 4: Upgrade or replace hardware
Sometimes a motherboard and CPU replacement is sufficient – but often more expensive than a new PC.
7. Conclusion
Microsoft's strict stance on minimum requirements ensures more security – but also causes frustration. 182 million devices worldwide are technically left behind.
Those still on Windows 10 should act now: either use the free support year until 2026, prepare for a planned migration, or consider alternatives.
Engelmann Software continues to support its tools on Windows 10 – ensuring security and functionality even if Windows 11 is not possible.
