Not every Windows PC is allowed to join in:
A recent analysis by the IT analysis firm ControlUp shows that around 13% of all Windows devices worldwide are not compatible with Windows 11 – even with tricks or minor hardware upgrades. With over 1.4 billion active Windows systems, this corresponds to approximately 182 million PCs. For these computers, the update path ends with Windows 10 at the latest.
1. The Hardware Hurdle with Windows 11
With Windows 11, Microsoft has significantly tightened the minimum requirements compared to Windows 10. The most important stumbling blocks:
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) – Mandatory for security functions, often not installed in older motherboards.
- Compatible processors – only Intel Core from the 8th generation or AMD Ryzen 2000 upwards.
- UEFI with Secure Boot – older BIOS versions are excluded.
If even one of these criteria is missing, the upgrade will be officially denied – even if the PC is still technically powerful.
2. Who is Particularly Affected?
- Companies with long-lasting 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 over the leading role worldwide: around 51% of systems use it, Windows 10 is at 46%.
In Germany, the situation is different: Here, Windows 10 continues to dominate with over 56%, while Windows 11 comes to around 41%. Many German users and companies are therefore still hesitant to switch.
4. Upgrade Readiness and Hard Facts
The ControlUp study shows:
- About 50% of consumer PCs and 40% of corporate devices are still running Windows 10.
- 87% of these systems would actually be compatible – but have not yet done the upgrade.
- Around 25% of consumer PCs and 24% of corporate devices need to be completely replaced because they have no upgrade option.
5. End of Support and New Deadlines
Officially, Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025.
However, what’s new is that Microsoft is extending free security support for private users until October 2026 – but only for one year and with a Microsoft account.
The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program applies to companies and beyond:
- Year 1: approx. €61 per device (companies) / approx. €30 (private)
- Year 2 and 3: increasing costs
- End definitively in October 2028
6. What Options Do Affected Users Have?
Option 1: Continue with Windows 10
Possible with ESU until 2028, but subject to a fee (except for the free year for private users).
Option 2: Unofficial installations
With tools like “Rufus”, Windows 11 can be installed on unsupported hardware – but without a Microsoft guarantee.
Option 3: Switch to Linux
Distributions such as Linux Mint or Ubuntu run stably even on older computers and offer modern security functions.
Option 4: Upgrade or replace hardware
Sometimes a motherboard and CPU replacement is enough – but often more expensive than a new PC.
7. Conclusion
Microsoft’s hard line on minimum requirements ensures more security – but also frustration. 182 million devices worldwide are technically cut off.
Anyone still on Windows 10 should act now: Either use the free support year until 2026, prepare a planned switch, or plan alternatives.
Engelmann Software continues to support its tools on Windows 10 – ensuring security and functionality, even if Windows 11 is not possible.
