As of July 2025, Windows 11 has officially surpassed Windows 10 to become the most widely used Windows desktop operating system, capturing 50.88% of the market. This shift follows a gradual increase in adoption since its 2021 release, initially starting with under 10% market share in 2022 and growing steadily each year. The rise in Windows 11's popularity is likely driven by the upcoming end of Windows 10’s support on October 14, 2025, and Microsoft's aggressive push encouraging users to upgrade. Microsoft recently offered a free extra year of Windows 10 security updates for users who log into a Microsoft account and back up their settings to the cloud. Despite requiring newer hardware and a Microsoft account during setup, Windows 11 has gradually gained acceptance, attracting even gamers as the leading OS on Steam. Microsoft is maintaining platform stability in upcoming updates to avoid compatibility issues. However, many older PCs remain incompatible with Windows 11 due to elevated system requirements, prompting users to consider purchasing new hardware. Windows 11 includes some preloaded ads and bloat similar to Windows 10 and is available as a free upgrade for eligible devices, or via purchasing a new Copilot+ PC for access to exclusive AI features.
The transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 has been marked by both enthusiasm and skepticism within the user community. While many have embraced the new features and enhanced security measures, others have expressed concerns over performance issues and hardware compatibility. For instance, some users report that their Windows 10 systems, equipped with older hardware, perform more efficiently than newer machines running Windows 11. This has led to debates about whether the push towards Windows 11 is driven more by Microsoft's strategic interests than by genuine user benefits.
Microsoft's decision to maintain stringent hardware requirements for Windows 11 has also been a point of contention. Despite rumors of potential relaxations, the company has confirmed that there will be no changes to these prerequisites. This stance has left many users with older devices facing the dilemma of upgrading their hardware or sticking with an operating system nearing the end of its support lifecycle.
In response to these challenges, some users are exploring alternative operating systems, such as Linux, especially as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-life. The Danish government's recent shift to open-source alternatives exemplifies this trend, highlighting a growing interest in platforms that offer extended support and flexibility without the constraints imposed by proprietary software.
As the October 2025 deadline approaches, it remains to be seen how Microsoft will address these concerns and whether Windows 11 will continue to gain traction among users who are currently hesitant to make the switch.
Source: TechPowerUp Windows 11 Finally Overtakes Windows 10 as the Most Dominant Operating System
