Time really is ticking on Windows 10. This hugely popular operating system will be sent to the history books in the autumn with Microsoft ending all free support from October 14. After that date, PC owners that don’t upgrade or pay for Extended Security Updates (ESUs) will face greater risk of cyber threats and PC-breaking bugs.

With the worrying deadline looming it finally appears that millions are beginning to jump ship and switch over to Windows 11.

That’s according to the latest data from Statcounter which shows Windows 10 installation rates have dropped to below 60 percent for the first time.

Meanwhile, Windows 11 growth has now reached over 38 percent. Although Windows 10 continues to be the most used OS on the planet, its users are now declining each month, and if the current trajectory continues, we could see Windows 11 taking the lead by October.

If you still haven't made the switch to Windows 11 it's certainly worth considering, as unsupported devices face serious risks.

Don’t forget, if your PC isn’t compatible with Microsoft’s latest operating system and you don’t want to buy a new laptop you can join that ESU scheme.

Microsoft says it will charge $30 (£24) per year with enrolled PCs then able to receive "Critical and Important security updates" for Windows 10.

Explaining more, Yusuf Mehdi, Executive Vice President, Consumer Chief Marketing Officer at Windows said: "We understand that some of you may require additional time while moving to a new Windows 11 PC or Copilot+ PC. During this period, you may wish to take steps to help secure your existing PC.

"For the first time ever, we’re introducing an ESU program for personal use as well. The ESU program for consumers will be a one-year option available for $30. Program enrollment will be available closer to the end of support in 2025."

These are all the options for those who currently still have it installed on their PCs.

• Keep Windows 10 and risk your PC being more open to attack from hackers and cyber bugs

• Pay for Extended Security Updates (ESU) and keep your current Windows 10 device fully protected

• Switch to Windows 11 via Microsoft's software update (check specs needed below) or buy a new laptop with this latest OS already installed.

HERE ARE THE FULL SPECS FOR RUNNING WINDOWS 11

Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip (SoC).

RAM: 4 gigabytes (GB) or greater.

Storage: 64 GB or greater available storage is required to install Windows 11.

Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver.

TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.