For almost a decade, the battle for desktop dominance has swung between iterations of Microsoft’s renowned operating system releases, but as of early July, a significant milestone has finally arrived: Windows 11 has, for the first time, overtaken Windows 10 in terms of global market share according to data from StatCounter. This shift, years in the making, is not just another metric in the persistent OS upgrade cycle—it marks a fundamental turning point for users, enterprises, and Microsoft alike. The ticking clock for Windows 10’s official support deadline is about to become a pressing matter for those who have yet to make the switch. But is this the long-predicted mass migration, or is there more nuance lying beneath the surface of this breakout statistic?
According to StatCounter’s latest figures, Windows 11 now claims an imposing 52% share of all Windows installations worldwide. That’s a dramatic almost 10% swing in market share in just a single month: where Windows 10 led in June with roughly 49% to Windows 11’s 48%, July’s numbers see Windows 10 dropping to 44.59% and Windows 11 taking a commanding lead. While these numbers are restricted to StatCounter’s analytics (a respected but not definitive yardstick), they represent one of the strongest signals yet that Windows 11’s adoption curve has sharply steepened.
Comparatively, Windows 10 commanded the lion’s share of desktop installations for years, its 2015 launch marked as a “forever” edition for many who grew comfortable with its blend of stability, performance, and backwards compatibility. But as of 2025’s third quarter, the landscape looks very different: Windows 10’s reign is finally ending, not with a whimper but a discernible handoff to its successor.
Cross-referencing with reports from other analytics groups such as Statista and Steam’s User Hardware Survey confirms the broader trend. Statista charts show Windows 11 steadily increasing, particularly after key feature updates and the introduction of new hardware that mandates use of the modern OS. Steam’s survey—a proxy for gamer and power user sentiment—indicates a similar tilt toward Windows 11 since late 2023, further validating the shift in market dominance.
This sunset clause has always been part of Microsoft’s cyclical upgrade strategy, but the impact is particularly acute now for several reasons:
This option offers distinct advantages, particularly for users with machines that cannot be upgraded to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations. Not only does it provide additional time to plan a more permanent migration or upgrade, but it also alleviates short-term financial and logistical concerns for households and small businesses.
It is important to note that accepting this deal is not without its trade-offs. While Microsoft assures users that only Windows settings (and not comprehensive personal data) are synced, the move has prompted some online to question the company’s motives, raising suspicions of excessive data collection and “blackmail” tactics. In reality, Microsoft’s data handling policies and privacy posture remain under close regulatory scrutiny worldwide. The company asserts that syncing settings is a tool for seamless transitions between devices and operating systems, not a backdoor for monetizing user data. Nonetheless, users wary of cloud-based solutions or unwilling to create a Microsoft Account have the option to pay the fee, redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or simply upgrade to Windows 11.
For readers considering these choices, the most critical caution is this: running without security updates is never acceptable from a cybersecurity standpoint. As enticing as the familiar Windows 10 environment may be, unsupported software is always a gateway for threat actors.
There are practical reasons to expect further accommodations as well:
Microsoft’s answer—a combination of extended support and cloud-synced backups—alleviates some pressure, but many believe it’s only a partial measure. Some industry voices argue that Microsoft could—and should—offer even longer-term support for Windows 10, at least for security patches, or loosen some firmware checks on Windows 11 to extend hardware lifespans.
Another alternative for tech-savvy users is Linux—a switch that, while growing more accessible, still entails a learning curve, loss of access to certain commercial software titles (especially gaming), and compatibility headaches for peripherals and specialized programs.
Major Linux distros like Ubuntu and Linux Mint have made significant strides, offering Windows-like user experiences and an ever-expanding array of “out-of-the-box” features. For many, dual-booting (running both Windows and Linux) or virtualizing Windows for select tasks is a practical stopgap. But for the vast majority of mainstream users, Linux still lags behind Windows in both software library and general ease-of-use, especially for gaming, creative/professional software, and hardware compatibility.
The reality is stark: for most users, upgrading to Windows 11 is increasingly not just preferable, but necessary for security, productivity, and future-facing functionality. Those unable to make the jump are offered temporary lifelines, but these are just that—temporary. The environmental, financial, and technical consequences of this mass migration will ripple through the industry and the planet for years to come.
As Windows 10 enters its twilight, the unified message for users is clear: keep abreast of Microsoft’s evolving support options, plan migrations sooner rather than later, and—above all—never leave your system unpatched and vulnerable. The desktop OS landscape has changed, and in this new era, adapting early is the surest guarantee of safety and productivity.
Source: TechRadar Has the rush to upgrade to Windows 11 begun, as it finally becomes the most popular desktop OS? Remember, you don't have to abandon Windows 10 just yet
Windows 11 Surges Past Windows 10: The Numbers Tell the Story
According to StatCounter’s latest figures, Windows 11 now claims an imposing 52% share of all Windows installations worldwide. That’s a dramatic almost 10% swing in market share in just a single month: where Windows 10 led in June with roughly 49% to Windows 11’s 48%, July’s numbers see Windows 10 dropping to 44.59% and Windows 11 taking a commanding lead. While these numbers are restricted to StatCounter’s analytics (a respected but not definitive yardstick), they represent one of the strongest signals yet that Windows 11’s adoption curve has sharply steepened.Comparatively, Windows 10 commanded the lion’s share of desktop installations for years, its 2015 launch marked as a “forever” edition for many who grew comfortable with its blend of stability, performance, and backwards compatibility. But as of 2025’s third quarter, the landscape looks very different: Windows 10’s reign is finally ending, not with a whimper but a discernible handoff to its successor.
Cross-referencing with reports from other analytics groups such as Statista and Steam’s User Hardware Survey confirms the broader trend. Statista charts show Windows 11 steadily increasing, particularly after key feature updates and the introduction of new hardware that mandates use of the modern OS. Steam’s survey—a proxy for gamer and power user sentiment—indicates a similar tilt toward Windows 11 since late 2023, further validating the shift in market dominance.
The End of Support Looms for Windows 10
If momentum alone was pushing users towards Windows 11, the scale of July’s swing would be notable but not necessarily alarming. However, another critical factor is in play: Windows 10’s official end of support. Microsoft has set October 2025 as the cut-off date for security updates and patches for mainstream consumers—a deadline now alarmingly close.This sunset clause has always been part of Microsoft’s cyclical upgrade strategy, but the impact is particularly acute now for several reasons:
- Windows 10’s install base remains massive, representing a mature, familiar platform that many users (particularly businesses and institutions) have invested heavily in.
- Hardware compatibility for Windows 11 is notably stricter, requiring CPUs with TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot—both security features that older PCs might lack.
- Software compatibility, especially in niche enterprise and legacy verticals, often lags behind OS advancements.
The Changing Landscape: Microsoft’s Last-Minute Support Changes
In a move likely driven by both market pressure and environmental concerns, Microsoft recently revised its Windows 10 Extended Support program. Originally, extended security updates (ESUs) for consumers beyond October 2025 came with a $30 price tag for an extra year. However, Microsoft has now sweetened the deal—instead of paying, users can elect to sync their Windows settings to the cloud using the revamped Windows Backup app tied to a Microsoft Account to receive an extra year of updates for free.This option offers distinct advantages, particularly for users with machines that cannot be upgraded to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations. Not only does it provide additional time to plan a more permanent migration or upgrade, but it also alleviates short-term financial and logistical concerns for households and small businesses.
It is important to note that accepting this deal is not without its trade-offs. While Microsoft assures users that only Windows settings (and not comprehensive personal data) are synced, the move has prompted some online to question the company’s motives, raising suspicions of excessive data collection and “blackmail” tactics. In reality, Microsoft’s data handling policies and privacy posture remain under close regulatory scrutiny worldwide. The company asserts that syncing settings is a tool for seamless transitions between devices and operating systems, not a backdoor for monetizing user data. Nonetheless, users wary of cloud-based solutions or unwilling to create a Microsoft Account have the option to pay the fee, redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or simply upgrade to Windows 11.
For readers considering these choices, the most critical caution is this: running without security updates is never acceptable from a cybersecurity standpoint. As enticing as the familiar Windows 10 environment may be, unsupported software is always a gateway for threat actors.
Will Microsoft Extend Support Even Further?
The sudden introduction of the cloud-synced extended support offer so close to Windows 10’s end-of-life has led some industry watchers to speculate that Microsoft may have more support extensions in store before or after October 2025. After all, a similar approach was taken with Windows 7, which saw multiple ESU offerings for businesses before finally being sunset globally.There are practical reasons to expect further accommodations as well:
- The environmental impact of forcing millions of functioning PCs onto the scrapheap due to Windows 11’s hardware requirements is a growing concern among sustainability advocates.
- Comparably, Microsoft has shown flexibility in extending enterprise ESUs for organizations unwilling or unable to upgrade quickly, often for several years past “official” deadlines.
- Ongoing consumer agitation and media coverage could keep pressure on Redmond to provide solutions that blend security, accessibility, and environmental responsibility.
The Challenge of Windows 11’s System Requirements
While migrating from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is trivial in many cases involving recent hardware, a significant number of PCs find themselves locked out by Windows 11’s much-discussed hardware requirements. Chief among these are:- Mandatory TPM 2.0 module support: A security feature that most pre-2017 PCs lack.
- Secure Boot: Another precondition, sometimes missing or disabled on custom or older systems.
- Modern processor requirements: Official compatibility lists sometimes exclude CPUs as recent as 7th-gen Intel Core chips and early Ryzen models, which are still performant by today’s standards.
Environmental Stakes: “The Towering Scrapheap” Dilemma
The environmental concerns cannot be overstated. Forcing an estimated hundreds of millions of “old” PCs into early retirement—despite their continued usefulness simply due to OS incompatibility—could result in a new wave of e-waste unparalleled since the Windows XP and Windows 7 transitions. Advocacy groups have been vocal about the strain this places on recycling infrastructure, the raw material waste, and the broader carbon footprint of mass upgrades.Microsoft’s answer—a combination of extended support and cloud-synced backups—alleviates some pressure, but many believe it’s only a partial measure. Some industry voices argue that Microsoft could—and should—offer even longer-term support for Windows 10, at least for security patches, or loosen some firmware checks on Windows 11 to extend hardware lifespans.
Should You Upgrade to Windows 11 Now? A Balanced Analysis
With statistics signaling the end of Windows 10’s dominance, many users find themselves at a crossroads. Should you upgrade immediately? Here’s a nuanced take to help inform the decision:Strengths of Upgrading Now
- Security: Windows 11 is actively maintained, with full updates and patches for the foreseeable future.
- Performance and Features: On supported hardware, Windows 11 delivers a modern UI, enhanced multitasking (Snap Layouts, updated window management), and integrations with Microsoft’s AI effort, Copilot.
- Better Support for New Hardware: Devices launching in 2024 and beyond are designed with Windows 11 in mind, offering optimal driver and firmware support.
- Future-Proofing: Early adoption ensures maximum compatibility with the next wave of productivity tools, security protocols, and gaming technologies, including DirectStorage and Auto-HDR.
Potential Risks and Weaknesses
- Hardware Incompatibility: Millions of machines, some less than five years old, are excluded. Workarounds exist, but carry the risk of unsupported configurations and voided warranties.
- Software Compatibility: Some legacy software, especially bespoke or industry-specific applications, may not yet be validated for Windows 11.
- Feature Creep and UI Learning Curve: Windows 11’s interface is a departure from the familiar Windows 10 environment, with some workflows shifted or reimagined, causing friction for long-time users.
- Privacy Concerns: The push towards mandatory online accounts and cloud sync for settings and backup is controversial, and not everyone is comfortable with Microsoft’s expanding cloud ecosystem.
- Third-Party Peripheral Support: Some very old peripherals and accessories might lack official drivers for Windows 11.
Alternatives: Sticking with Windows 10, or Exploring Linux?
For users committed to extracting every last ounce of utility from their existing systems, leveraging Microsoft’s backup-based extended support, or paying the nominal ESU fee, represents a temporary reprieve. Still, the writing is on the wall: eventually, Windows 10 will be rendered obsolete, whether by lack of updates or incompatible new applications.Another alternative for tech-savvy users is Linux—a switch that, while growing more accessible, still entails a learning curve, loss of access to certain commercial software titles (especially gaming), and compatibility headaches for peripherals and specialized programs.
Major Linux distros like Ubuntu and Linux Mint have made significant strides, offering Windows-like user experiences and an ever-expanding array of “out-of-the-box” features. For many, dual-booting (running both Windows and Linux) or virtualizing Windows for select tasks is a practical stopgap. But for the vast majority of mainstream users, Linux still lags behind Windows in both software library and general ease-of-use, especially for gaming, creative/professional software, and hardware compatibility.
What Lies Ahead for Microsoft and Its Users?
With Windows 11 now leading the charge, Microsoft’s strategic planning will inevitably focus on accelerating adoption while balancing the outcry over environmental waste and forced obsolescence. Here are the most likely developments to watch:- Further Extended Support Offers: If user resistance or negative PR persists, Microsoft might offer additional free or low-cost update options, especially for non-profit, education, or sustainability-focused users.
- Cloud and Backup Integration: Future updates may further incentivize (or even eventually require) cloud-based user data storage and migration tools, blurring the line between local and cloud OS experiences.
- Pressure from Advocacy Groups: Expect continued lobbying for greener upgrade cycles and consumer rights, which could result in policy shifts or government intervention in extreme cases.
- Windows 12 and Beyond: With Windows 11’s momentum growing, speculation on a future Windows 12 (or similar major update) is already building. Microsoft is likely to double down on AI integration, cloud services, and even stricter hardware baselines.
- Increased Role of Third-Party Tools: As users seek compatibility or seek out-of-support patching, unofficial community and enterprise utilities—ranging from hardware check bypassers to third-party security overlays—may proliferate, though these always carry added risks.
Conclusion: The Closing Chapter for Windows 10
Four years after its launch, Windows 11 has taken the crown from Windows 10—not in a sudden coup, but through a steady marathon supported by policy maneuvers, market discipline, and the relentless forward march of technology. The impending October 2025 end-of-support deadline for Windows 10 is accelerating decisions across the spectrum, from households to Fortune 500 firms. While Microsoft’s evolving support policies have injected some much-needed flexibility and softened the financial blow for upgraders, the inevitability of transition remains.The reality is stark: for most users, upgrading to Windows 11 is increasingly not just preferable, but necessary for security, productivity, and future-facing functionality. Those unable to make the jump are offered temporary lifelines, but these are just that—temporary. The environmental, financial, and technical consequences of this mass migration will ripple through the industry and the planet for years to come.
As Windows 10 enters its twilight, the unified message for users is clear: keep abreast of Microsoft’s evolving support options, plan migrations sooner rather than later, and—above all—never leave your system unpatched and vulnerable. The desktop OS landscape has changed, and in this new era, adapting early is the surest guarantee of safety and productivity.
Source: TechRadar Has the rush to upgrade to Windows 11 begun, as it finally becomes the most popular desktop OS? Remember, you don't have to abandon Windows 10 just yet
