Microsoft released Windows 11 over three years ago, and while many users have upgraded to the latest operating system version, I’m still sticking with Windows 10. Microsoft hasn’t fully phased out Windows 10 yet, which is my main reason for sticking with the older Windows version. The last stable version, 22H2, was released on October 18, 2022, and will continue receiving extended security updates until October 14, 2025, which will keep our systems protected.

After that, Microsoft will stop offering free software updates, security patches, and technical support for Windows 10. While upgrading to Windows 11 will be the logical choice then—and I certainly will—I still have several months before support runs out. So, as long as updates are available, I see no urgent need to switch to Windows 11.

Microsoft has completely overhauled the Windows 11 interface. The context menus are now condensed, and we have to expand them to access key options. The Settings app has been redesigned with rearranged options, and File Explorer features a tabbed layout with a new ribbon. The Start menu and taskbar have also been changed.

Having used Windows 10 for over a decade, I’m comfortable with its interface. Hardware limitations are another reason I’m still using Windows 10. Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements, like TPM 2.0 and newer processors, and my laptop is a bit old and doesn’t meet them, so I can’t upgrade. While there are ways to bypass these checks, older hardware might struggle to run the new version smoothly.

Since my computer isn’t eligible for an upgrade, my only options are replacing parts or buying a new device—neither of which I plan to do. On the other hand, Windows 10 runs perfectly fine on my system, so spending extra on hardware to access a new operating system version that isn’t a game-changer doesn’t seem worthwhile.

Windows 10 has been around for over a decade. Receiving years of updates and refinements has made it a stable operating system. With countless bug fixes and performance improvements over time, I trust Windows 10 to be more dependable.

According to StatCounter, over 60.37% of Windows users worldwide still prefer Windows 10, while only 36.6% have upgraded to Windows 11, reflecting the general preference among users.

Microsoft has introduced Copilot and other new features in Windows 11. While some users may find them useful, they don’t add much value to my daily workflow. Instead, they feel more like unnecessary clutter, and many users have expressed frustration over these forced additions.

Although Microsoft has brought Copilot to Windows 10, and some have complained about it being enabled by default, it has never been automatically turned on for me. By sticking with Windows 10, I can steer clear of Microsoft’s continuous updates to Copilot and any future AI features they may roll out—at least for now.

Each new operating system update brings changes to its architecture, security features, and system requirements, which can sometimes render older apps incompatible. You might also run into problems with aging hardware peripherals, particularly printers. Some software licenses are also tied to specific Windows versions, making upgrades potentially expensive.

Even if developers release updated versions for newer OS versions, they may not perform as smoothly as they do on Windows 10, potentially causing issues like flickering windows, unresponsiveness, or glitches. Since I dislike dealing with compatibility problems, this is yet another reason I prefer to stick with Windows 10.

These are my key reasons for not switching to Windows 11. But will I upgrade in the future? With Windows 10 support ending in October 2025, using it beyond that could either be risky or costly due to the need for extended security updates (ESUs).