Windows 10 continues to be the dominant operating system in Russia. However, acquiring Windows 11 has become challenging for many users due to international restrictions. This situation raises critical questions: What alternatives are available, and is it still viable to continue using Windows 10?
The Windows 10 era is drawing to a close, with official support ending on October 14th. This means an end to all monthly security patches and feature updates, leaving any device running the older OS vulnerable to viruses and other security exploits. For those still using Windows 10, it`s becoming urgent to consider transitioning to Windows 11.
Microsoft has outlined three main pathways for users to transition to the newer system. The first is a direct upgrade to Windows 11. The second involves purchasing a new computer with Windows 11 already installed; notably, the global PC market saw a 9.5% year-on-year sales increase in the third quarter. The third option is an unofficial annual subscription for Windows 10 updates via a third-party service, costing $30. However, for regions like Russia and Belarus, where direct Microsoft registration is restricted, navigating these options, especially unofficial ones, presents significant challenges, as noted by Oleg Kapranov, head of the `Technology` project at `Rossiyskaya Gazeta` and author of the `Toxic Digital` channel.
Head of `Technology` project at `Rossiyskaya Gazeta`, author of `Toxic Digital` channel
“Currently, legitimate engagement with Microsoft is severely complicated by the company itself. Therefore, using their products today inherently carries risks for individual users. When official support for certain products is withdrawn, these risks are compounded. Previously, we already faced numerous vulnerabilities due to unavailable updates and the inability to purchase legitimate keys, leading many to resort to compromised or pirated corporate keys. Now, with even this unofficial support ending, the situation becomes quite dire. Consequently, if feasible, it is advisable to purchase a new device with a pre-installed, latest-generation operating system, such as Windows 11, and leverage it while possible.”
Due to its seamless cloud integration and familiar user interface, Windows 10 has long maintained its status as the most popular OS among Russians, reportedly present on every second computer as of September. For many casual users, continuing with the older version might seem like the simpler choice. Andrey Blinov, an analyst at ICT-Online.ru, offers his perspective:
Analyst, ICT-Online.ru
“I recall how long users continued with Windows XP and Windows 7 even after Microsoft ceased official updates and support. It seems to me that for average users, staying on Windows 10, even without upgrading to Windows 11, is quite acceptable if they employ additional security measures like antivirus software. Not all users update Windows immediately; many are aware that minor updates can sometimes introduce new vulnerabilities that Microsoft later patches. Some prefer to wait and observe for potential critical issues before updating, while others simply opt to live without updates altogether. While this carries some risk, it`s not always critical. The most straightforward path, however, would be to transition to Windows 11. Currently, Microsoft faces more competition than it has in two decades or more, with many users exploring various Linux-based systems, including those developed in Russia. Consequently, the proportion of users favoring Windows is gradually diminishing.”
While previous decades saw significant transformations with each new OS version, experts now observe a reversal for certain hardware categories, with progress moving backward. Consequently, a growing number of users are opting to move away from Microsoft, embracing Linux-based systems, including locally developed Russian distributions.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth