A monumental moment for Microsoft has arrived, but it’s shrouded in controversy! After years of striving, Windows 11 has finally matched Windows 10's market share, but now the tech giant is sounding the alarm for its 400 million users.

As of June, data from Statcounter shows Windows 11's growth has put it neck and neck with its predecessor, and while that’s a milestone, the mood is far from celebratory. Microsoft has thrown a curveball by allowing Windows 10 users to stick with the aging OS for another year—an unexpected shift that many see as a mistake.

Microsoft warns that all eligible users should upgrade now, as delaying poses unnecessary security risks. They report that new Windows 11 PCs have experienced a staggering 62% drop in security incidents and a threefold reduction in firmware attacks!

"Windows 11 is secure by design and by default," Microsoft proclaims. With advanced features like TPM 2.0, they claim this is the most secure operating system they've ever built. Ignoring the upgrade might mean missing out on these protective layers.

However, the decision to let users with older devices continue using Windows 10 for updates is a double-edged sword. While it prevents potential tire fires from PCs being rendered obsolete, critics argue it’s a half-hearted solution.

Out of 700 million Windows 10 users, it’s estimated that over 400 million can upgrade, though roughly 240 million devices lack the necessary security hardware. Microsoft wants to ensure these users don’t get comfortable sticking with the old OS.

Interestingly, recent reports suggested Microsoft may have lost 400 million users over recent years; however, that confusion stemmed from a miscommunication about their active device count. Now, they clarify that Windows supports over 1.4 billion active devices monthly!

Whether it’s by October 2025 or 2026, Microsoft likely can't wait to close the curtain on the Windows 10 era. With so much at stake, users should seize the moment and upgrade—before it’s too late!