The Vulnerability Gap
A new study from IT asset management firm Lansweeper has quantified exactly how much security posture degrades on Windows 10 compared to Windows 11. The research found that Windows 10 systems carry an average of 1,903 active security vulnerabilities, while Windows 11 machines show just 652. That makes Windows 10 roughly three times more exposed to known security flaws.
The numbers come from Lansweeper’s analysis of endpoint security data, which tracks unpatched and actively exploited vulnerabilities across managed systems. The study doesn’t suggest Windows 11 is immune to threats, but it does highlight a measurable security advantage for the newer operating system.
According to Statcounter data from June 2026, about 19.28% of Windows PCs in the United States still run Windows 10. That means millions of devices are operating with a significantly larger attack surface than their Windows 11 counterparts.
Why Windows 10 Falls Behind
The core issue is straightforward: Windows 10 no longer receives feature updates or regular security patches outside the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Microsoft shifted its development focus entirely to Windows 11, meaning new security architectures, threat intelligence integration, and vulnerability fixes land on the newer OS first.
Windows 11 includes several security improvements that Windows 10 simply doesn’t have. These include hardware-based isolation features, enhanced credential guard implementations, and deeper integration with modern TPM requirements. The result is a system that’s harder to compromise even when vulnerabilities exist.
Security experts have been warning about this gap since January 2025, when analysts advised users not to delay their Windows 11 upgrade. The situation has only worsened since then, with each passing month adding new unpatched vulnerabilities to Windows 10’s backlog.
What This Means for You
If you’re currently running Windows 10, the Lansweeper data suggests you’re operating with a substantially higher security risk than Windows 11 users. This isn’t just about theoretical exposure—it translates to real-world vulnerability to malware, ransomware, and data breaches.
For home users, the decision often comes down to hardware compatibility and personal preference. Some devices simply can’t run Windows 11 due to TPM requirements or older processors. Others may have software or workflow dependencies that haven’t been tested on the newer OS.
Businesses face a different calculation. IT administrators managing fleets of Windows 10 machines should factor in the security gap when planning upgrades. The 3x vulnerability difference could impact compliance requirements, insurance policies, and overall risk assessments.
Your Options Going Forward
Microsoft has extended Windows 10 support through October 12, 2027, via the Extended Security Updates program. This gives users roughly 18 months to plan and execute an upgrade. The ESU program provides critical security patches, though it doesn’t include new features or improvements.
For those who choose to stay on Windows 10 beyond the standard support period, signing up for the free ESU program is essential. Without it, devices will receive no security updates at all, leaving them completely exposed to known threats.
Some users, particularly those concerned about data privacy, have expressed reservations about Windows 11. Privacy advocates have raised questions about telemetry and data collection practices in the newer OS. If privacy is your primary concern, you may want to research Windows 11’s privacy settings and configuration options before making a decision.
The Lansweeper study provides concrete data to support what security professionals have known for some time: Windows 10 is increasingly vulnerable compared to Windows 11. With the October 2027 deadline approaching, now is the time to evaluate your upgrade path.
Source: Windows | PCWorld
Over to you: Are you planning to upgrade to Windows 11 before the October 2027 ESU deadline, or have you found a reason to stay on Windows 10?
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