Windows 11 has officially reached a new milestone—surpassing Windows 10 in global market share, according to recent findings from StatCounter. After four years in the market and a succession of both praise and controversy, it now occupies a dominant position on both regular PCs and among the world’s gaming community, where nearly 60% of players have adopted it. This ascent comes as Microsoft juggles a barrage of significant, sometimes unpopular strategic moves, including another round of sweeping layoffs and contentious public communications from upper management. Taken together, these developments paint a portrait of a tech giant at once forward-looking and fraught with operational and reputational risk.
StatCounter’s latest numbers confirm what many suspected over the last few months: Windows 11 has overtaken its predecessor to become the most used desktop operating system globally. This milestone marks a turning point for Microsoft, whose aggressive push—including heavy hardware requirements, a steady drumbeat of feature updates, and a focused appeal to gamers—has paid dividends. Recent reports show that, as of June, Windows 11 commands an all-time high market share, with notable adoption among dedicated gaming populations on Steam and beyond.
This sustained growth, however, isn’t just the result of consumer excitement over fresh UI and improved security. A crucial factor is the gradual phasing out of support for Windows 10, set to leave hundreds of millions of older PCs behind. It’s estimated that there are around 400 million Windows 10 devices worldwide that simply aren’t eligible for Windows 11 due to hardware restrictions. While some analysts initially misinterpreted this figure as an outright loss of Windows users, Microsoft has since clarified: those users simply remain on unsupported versions, a long-observed challenge in major OS transitions.
It’s telling that, in the shadow of these upgrades, Microsoft was recently caught quietly installing certain updates on unsupported systems—a move that many users discovered and decried online. The company’s subsequent response aimed to quell rumors, explaining that the updates weren’t a sign of renewed support but rather a necessary step to facilitate telemetry or ensure limited security hygiene as millions transition away from Windows 10.
Under the hood, major changes continue: PowerShell 2.0, a long-deprecated component, has finally been removed from new builds. The Microsoft Store gains performance tweaks, while a host of security and bug fixes roll out continuously. Yet these upgrades are not without headaches. For example, some 24H2 features have unexpectedly triggered Windows Firewall, causing further confusion among users and prompting Microsoft to update its known issue lists.
Innovation isn’t only top-down. Microsoft’s openness to community input was recently highlighted by the story of a 13-year-old who aided in squashing a security vulnerability—a testament to the diversity of its contributor base, and a good reminder that impactful feedback can come from anywhere in the ecosystem.
These improvements, while less flashy than major OS releases, reflect Microsoft’s strategic bet on a tightly-integrated software ecosystem—a key factor in retaining users and enterprises as competing platforms (especially Google Workspace and Apple’s productivity line) continue to gain traction.
Edge, meanwhile, loses the signature “Mica” design effect—a controversial removal among design-conscious users—though enthusiasts have found unofficial workarounds. Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to modernize UI, declutter scroll bars, and add workflow features underscore a steady, if incremental, drive to make Edge more competitive, particularly for those entrenched in Windows.
The market’s rapid shift toward AI-acceleration—both for gaming and productivity—makes these updates more than just routine. They are strong signposts for users weighing upgrades, especially as software like Windows 11 increasingly expects modern hardware for optimal performance.
Other recent standouts: the Topping DX5 II headphone amp/DAC receives kudos for delivering high-end audio at a fraction of typical costs—less than $300—standing out in a crowded segment. For portable gamers, the REDMAGIC Astra tablet offers a dazzling 165Hz OLED screen and impressive battery life, though absence of features like SIM and LDAC, plus a missing charger, inject caution for prospective buyers.
Insiders and former executives have not minced words: critiques of the current Xbox strategy as “chaotic”—and the business as “pretty much dead”—have circulated widely. These public rebukes come amid continuing struggles to define the Xbox brand’s future, especially as Game Pass and cross-platform titles face mounting competition and shifting consumer habits.
On the service front, Game Pass continues to churn out value, with high-profile additions this month—from Little Nightmares II to Rise of the Tomb Raider, Trials of Mana, and High on Life—ensuring that the subscription model remains a compelling proposition, even as some titles exit the rotation. Prime Gaming and Nvidia’s GeForce Now are also making waves, with hefty bundles of new releases and bonuses for subscribers, all part of a crowded, fast-evolving market.
Minecraft, meanwhile, continues its remarkable run as a live-service giant. Mojang’s next planned update brings a copper golem, along with new copper equipment and organizational tools—demonstrating the franchise’s ability to deliver meaningful content more than a decade after its original launch.
For Windows watchers, the months ahead promise as much drama as innovation—a defining era for both the platform and the broader ambitions of Microsoft. One thing remains certain: both the risks and rewards have never been higher for the world’s most ubiquitous operating system.
Source: Neowin Microsoft Weekly: Windows 11 is now more popular than Windows 10, and big layoffs
Windows 11: Charting Its Rise to the Top
StatCounter’s latest numbers confirm what many suspected over the last few months: Windows 11 has overtaken its predecessor to become the most used desktop operating system globally. This milestone marks a turning point for Microsoft, whose aggressive push—including heavy hardware requirements, a steady drumbeat of feature updates, and a focused appeal to gamers—has paid dividends. Recent reports show that, as of June, Windows 11 commands an all-time high market share, with notable adoption among dedicated gaming populations on Steam and beyond.This sustained growth, however, isn’t just the result of consumer excitement over fresh UI and improved security. A crucial factor is the gradual phasing out of support for Windows 10, set to leave hundreds of millions of older PCs behind. It’s estimated that there are around 400 million Windows 10 devices worldwide that simply aren’t eligible for Windows 11 due to hardware restrictions. While some analysts initially misinterpreted this figure as an outright loss of Windows users, Microsoft has since clarified: those users simply remain on unsupported versions, a long-observed challenge in major OS transitions.
Critical Changes and Frustrations for Legacy Devices
The transition from Windows 10 to 11 isn’t seamless for everyone. Advocacy groups such as the Public Interest Research Group have criticized Microsoft for its handling of end-of-support timelines and the limited window for free security updates—citing the single year offered to legacy users as insufficient for such a broad installed base. These measures, while arguably in line with industry best practices, draw attention to the growing phenomenon of forced obsolescence in consumer electronics. The issue: For many, migrating to Windows 11 will mean significant upgrade costs, not just for software but hardware as well.It’s telling that, in the shadow of these upgrades, Microsoft was recently caught quietly installing certain updates on unsupported systems—a move that many users discovered and decried online. The company’s subsequent response aimed to quell rumors, explaining that the updates weren’t a sign of renewed support but rather a necessary step to facilitate telemetry or ensure limited security hygiene as millions transition away from Windows 10.
A Moving Target: New Features, Bugs, and Previews
With Windows 11 now the company’s flagship, updates in the Stable and Preview channels have taken center stage for both users and enterprise IT departments. The latest 24H2 update, for example, expands on the system’s AI-enhanced features and tightens integration across Microsoft’s ecosystem. Notably, the newly redesigned lock screen battery indicator—already enabled for some, though Microsoft admits it's not widely available yet—demonstrates visible improvements in user experience.Under the hood, major changes continue: PowerShell 2.0, a long-deprecated component, has finally been removed from new builds. The Microsoft Store gains performance tweaks, while a host of security and bug fixes roll out continuously. Yet these upgrades are not without headaches. For example, some 24H2 features have unexpectedly triggered Windows Firewall, causing further confusion among users and prompting Microsoft to update its known issue lists.
Innovation isn’t only top-down. Microsoft’s openness to community input was recently highlighted by the story of a 13-year-old who aided in squashing a security vulnerability—a testament to the diversity of its contributor base, and a good reminder that impactful feedback can come from anywhere in the ecosystem.
Office, Teams, and Productivity: Subtle but Impactful Upgrades
In parallel with its operating system, Microsoft continues to iterate on its productivity suite and related services. Recent recaps for Teams, Excel, Copilot, and OneNote illustrate a nearly constant flow of enhancements aimed at business users and educators. Dynamic DPI support in OneNote now means seamless transitions between monitors, catering especially to today’s hybrid workforce. Outlook mobile gets more customization for toolbars on Android and iOS, and Teams expands with features like Storyline and bulk editing in Planner.These improvements, while less flashy than major OS releases, reflect Microsoft’s strategic bet on a tightly-integrated software ecosystem—a key factor in retaining users and enterprises as competing platforms (especially Google Workspace and Apple’s productivity line) continue to gain traction.
Browser Competition and the Continued Evolution of Edge
No Microsoft recap feels complete without a look at the browser wars. As Windows 11 brings renewed focus to the bundled Edge browser, Microsoft finds itself facing vibrant competition not from legacy rivals, but from upstarts like Vivaldi and Opera. This week, Opera’s version 120 introduces built-in translation and vastly improved VPN features, while Opera 90 for Android boasts an upgraded Aria AI assistant. Vivaldi 7.5 arrives with colorful tab stacks and enhanced menus.Edge, meanwhile, loses the signature “Mica” design effect—a controversial removal among design-conscious users—though enthusiasts have found unofficial workarounds. Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to modernize UI, declutter scroll bars, and add workflow features underscore a steady, if incremental, drive to make Edge more competitive, particularly for those entrenched in Windows.
Graphics Driver Updates and End of an Era for Legendary Cards
Gamers and creative professionals alike saw notable updates to graphics drivers: AMD’s Radeon Software 25.6.3 adds FSR 4 for popular titles like GTA V and Monster Hunter: Wilds; Nvidia’s driver 576.88 brings DLSS 4 to Mecha BREAK and support for the RTX 5050. In a symbolic passing of the torch, Nvidia also announced the end of driver support for several “legendary” GPUs, marking the closure of an era for cards that powered a decade of innovation.The market’s rapid shift toward AI-acceleration—both for gaming and productivity—makes these updates more than just routine. They are strong signposts for users weighing upgrades, especially as software like Windows 11 increasingly expects modern hardware for optimal performance.
Hardware and Peripheral Reviews: Fresh Takes, Tough Choices
Microsoft’s weekly ecosystem coverage continually provides insight into new hardware launches and peripherals. Reviewed headliners include the Mobapad Huden2, a pioneer in capacitive joystick controllers. While the device earns points for performance and app experience, it’s not without faults: steep pricing and quirky triggers keep it from being a universal recommendation.Other recent standouts: the Topping DX5 II headphone amp/DAC receives kudos for delivering high-end audio at a fraction of typical costs—less than $300—standing out in a crowded segment. For portable gamers, the REDMAGIC Astra tablet offers a dazzling 165Hz OLED screen and impressive battery life, though absence of features like SIM and LDAC, plus a missing charger, inject caution for prospective buyers.
Gaming at Microsoft: Layoffs, Cancellations, and Strategic Uncertainty
It’s impossible to discuss Microsoft in 2025 without acknowledging the deep turbulence rocking its gaming division. High-profile layoffs have felled entire teams. Turn 10 Studios saw half its staff let go, and at least three major games—most notoriously the much-anticipated Perfect Dark reboot—have been outright canceled. The message from leadership, suggesting impacted employees seek solace in Microsoft’s Copilot AI, landed as both tone-deaf and emblematic of wider communication failures.Insiders and former executives have not minced words: critiques of the current Xbox strategy as “chaotic”—and the business as “pretty much dead”—have circulated widely. These public rebukes come amid continuing struggles to define the Xbox brand’s future, especially as Game Pass and cross-platform titles face mounting competition and shifting consumer habits.
Brighter Spots: Halo, Game Pass, and a Revived Minecraft
Despite its recent setbacks, Microsoft’s gaming portfolio retains plenty of bright spots. The freshly-rebranded Halo Studios has promised major news—and, crucially, new content—later in the year. Hints of a significant October reveal have reignited optimism within a still-loyal fanbase.On the service front, Game Pass continues to churn out value, with high-profile additions this month—from Little Nightmares II to Rise of the Tomb Raider, Trials of Mana, and High on Life—ensuring that the subscription model remains a compelling proposition, even as some titles exit the rotation. Prime Gaming and Nvidia’s GeForce Now are also making waves, with hefty bundles of new releases and bonuses for subscribers, all part of a crowded, fast-evolving market.
Minecraft, meanwhile, continues its remarkable run as a live-service giant. Mojang’s next planned update brings a copper golem, along with new copper equipment and organizational tools—demonstrating the franchise’s ability to deliver meaningful content more than a decade after its original launch.
Weekly Deals and User Savings
One of Microsoft Weekly’s most valued traditions is rounding up the best deals in software and hardware. For savvy shoppers and small businesses, these offer opportunities to pick up Windows devices, accessories, and apps at substantial discounts—further fueling the OS’s momentum, especially as Windows 11 systems become the new default for vendors and OEMs.Outlook: Strengths, Risks, and the Road Ahead
Windows 11’s Strengths
- Market Momentum: Now the most popular desktop OS, with momentum especially strong in gaming and enterprise contexts.
- Steady Feature Evolution: Regular updates add practical, if sometimes incremental, improvements across productivity, security, and user experience.
- Integrated Ecosystem: Tight linkage between Windows, Office, Edge, and cloud services both locks in users and increases perceived value.
- Hardware Innovation: Microsoft’s focus on AI and modern hardware accelerates advances in graphics, peripherals, and high-performance devices.
Emerging Risks
- Legacy Device Alienation: Hundreds of millions of devices unable to upgrade to Windows 11 face obsolescence, creating goodwill and security risks—especially if those users turn to unsupported third-party solutions or delay upgrades indefinitely.
- Layoffs and Organizational Flux: Frequent, sometimes poorly explained restructuring erodes morale and public trust, particularly in the gaming division.
- Perceived Tone-Deaf Communication: Messaging that appears dismissive—like suggesting Copilot to recently-laid-off employees—undercuts Microsoft’s attempts to appear inclusive and empathetic.
- Ecological and Social Critiques: Accelerated hardware cycles and forced upgrade paths contribute to concerns about tech waste and digital exclusion, especially in lower-income markets.
- Increasingly Fierce Competition: Ranging from browser upstarts to cloud gaming rivals, Microsoft faces more aggressive challenges on every front.
Opportunities for Microsoft and Its Community
For all these risks, Microsoft stands poised to further embed itself into daily life for hundreds of millions of users. Its ability to iterate, listen to community feedback, and leverage its enormous installed base gives it unique resilience. The next phase of Windows 11—and whatever comes after—will hinge on balancing innovation with reliability, community goodwill with enterprise pragmatism, and aggressive market moves with careful stewardship of its ecosystem.Final Thoughts
This moment for Microsoft is both triumphant and precarious. Windows 11’s new market dominance is a real achievement, especially given the compliance and compatibility headwinds faced by its predecessor. Yet, the cost—measured in consumer trust, job security, and ecosystem fragmentation—is far from trivial. As Microsoft moves to entrench its gains, responding nimbly to user concerns while rolling out new features and services, it must avoid the pitfalls of arrogance and insularity that have tripped up even the most dominant tech firms.For Windows watchers, the months ahead promise as much drama as innovation—a defining era for both the platform and the broader ambitions of Microsoft. One thing remains certain: both the risks and rewards have never been higher for the world’s most ubiquitous operating system.
Source: Neowin Microsoft Weekly: Windows 11 is now more popular than Windows 10, and big layoffs
