Windows 10 is still the king of the desktop operating system market, but Microsoft wants to make it possible for users to embrace Windows 10 once and for all. Windows 11. Of course, this is not an easy task, especially if we take into account the enormous popularity that the old system has garnered over the years.
The last move of the Redmond company to try to achieve its goals will be to stop selling Windows 10 licenses directly. This means that, as of January 31, 2023, all those users who try to buy an operating system license through the Microsoft page will not be able to do so.
Windows 11 as the only alternative
Microsoft has subtly revealed this determination in its online store. There we find a message mentioning the deadline to buy Windows 10, it mentions that will continue to receive support until 2025 and adds “Learn more about Windows 11” as a way to encourage users to choose the new version.
It should be noted that this does not completely close the possibility of buying a Windows 10 license. Users will still be able to choose the option of OEM licenses, which are obtained at bargain prices in stores such as Amazon or other digital markets. Of course, this type of license has certain limitations.
These are the licenses that manufacturers use to pre-install Windows on new computers. This means that, unlike full licenses sold directly by Microsoft, once used on a computer, cannot be used on other devices. Businesses, for their part, will continue to be able to purchase volume licenses from authorized Microsoft partners.
Volume licenses, let’s remember, are not intended for end users. These are sold in large numbers through third parties and the owners, in this case companies, have their own administration panel through which they can generate product keys and manage them.
Beyond Microsoft wanting to start saying goodbye to Windows 10, this still a great alternative. The operating system still has a long way to go on millions of computers. A key takeaway is that Microsoft will continue to provide support for Windows 10 until at least October 14, 2025.
And, according to StatCounter data, Windows 10 holds 65.9% of Microsoft’s operating system market share. Windows 11, which was released on October 5, 2021, has 16.7% of the market. Windows 7, for its part, is also still very much alive, specifically on 11.2% of computers.
Images: BBC | Microsoft
In Xataka Basics: Potentially unwanted applications in Windows 10: what are they and how can you unblock and install them
