For months, the digital landscape has signaled a dramatic shift in operating system adoption, particularly among gamers and power users who frequent platforms like Steam. With the Windows 10 end-of-life (EOL) support deadline looming—officially set for October 14th, 2025—data from the latest Steam Hardware & Software Survey reveals a decisive surge in Windows 11’s popularity, reflecting changing priorities among users and compelling discussions across the wider Windows community.
A glance at the April 2025 Steam Hardware & Software Survey paints a clear picture: Windows 11, after initial hesitation from users, now commands the majority share on Steam. The latest figures show 57.84% of Steam users running Windows 11, a notable uptick of 2.5% over the previous month’s results. In contrast, Windows 10’s share has dropped to 38.09%. This milestone marks the first time Windows 11 has so conclusively pulled ahead since its general release, signaling both a cultural and technical turning point for PC gaming and general usage.
These percentages, validated by cross-referencing Valve’s public survey archives and real-time reporting from reputable tech journalism sites such as The Verge and PC Gamer, confirm a steady upward trend for Windows 11 over the past year. Notably, these figures stand in stark contrast to broader consumer non-gaming PC markets, where Windows 10 still holds significant ground—often leaping above 60% in enterprise and education contexts, according to StatCounter and Microsoft’s own telemetry.
This deadline, rigorously documented in Microsoft’s lifecycle policies, has been widely publicized in both tech and mainstream media. With cyberattacks on EOL software rising—case studies ranging from Windows 7 vulnerabilities to broader industry examples—users are keenly aware of the risks involved in lingering on unsupported systems.
Furthermore, Auto HDR expands the visual palette for compatible monitors and games—another factor that resonates with the enthusiast segment of the Steam population. Meanwhile, support for the latest Intel and AMD processors means that Windows 11, unlike Windows 10, can fully exploit architectural advancements such as big.LITTLE core configurations on Alder Lake and later CPUs.
For those unable or unwilling to upgrade, the risks will only mount—not just through loss of security updates, but also in terms of access to new software, drivers, and hardware. This reality underscores the importance of planning ahead, whether that means budgeting for new hardware, exploring alternate operating systems, or evaluating paid extended support where available.
As October 2025 draws nearer, expect more urgency from Microsoft—and more passionate discussion from every corner of the Windows user base. Whether this transition ushers in a new golden era for PC gaming and productivity or triggers new waves of discontent will depend as much on clear communication and continued improvement as on raw technological prowess. For now, the numbers do not lie: Windows 11 is here, it’s winning the hearts and hard drives of Steam users, and the end of Windows 10 is finally within sight.
Source: PC Guide Windows 11 popularity jumps on Steam as we get closer to Windows 10 end of life
Windows 11 Surges Ahead on Steam
A glance at the April 2025 Steam Hardware & Software Survey paints a clear picture: Windows 11, after initial hesitation from users, now commands the majority share on Steam. The latest figures show 57.84% of Steam users running Windows 11, a notable uptick of 2.5% over the previous month’s results. In contrast, Windows 10’s share has dropped to 38.09%. This milestone marks the first time Windows 11 has so conclusively pulled ahead since its general release, signaling both a cultural and technical turning point for PC gaming and general usage.These percentages, validated by cross-referencing Valve’s public survey archives and real-time reporting from reputable tech journalism sites such as The Verge and PC Gamer, confirm a steady upward trend for Windows 11 over the past year. Notably, these figures stand in stark contrast to broader consumer non-gaming PC markets, where Windows 10 still holds significant ground—often leaping above 60% in enterprise and education contexts, according to StatCounter and Microsoft’s own telemetry.
Growth Among Alternative Operating Systems
While Windows continues to dominate, the survey’s results underscore a quietly persistent—though small—uptick in alternative OS usage. Linux distributions now account for 2.27% of Steam users, with Arch Linux being the most popular within that niche segment. macOS variants like 15.3.2 and 15.4.0 have also seen modest growth, reflecting broader compatibility improvements from both Apple and Valve.The Drivers: Windows 10 End-of-Life and Microsoft’s Upgrade Campaigns
EOL Looms: Security, Features, and Forced Upgrades
A primary catalyst for this shift is the fast-approaching end of Windows 10’s lifecycle. Microsoft’s official timeline means that as of October 14th, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support, exposing any remaining installations to considerable cyber risk.This deadline, rigorously documented in Microsoft’s lifecycle policies, has been widely publicized in both tech and mainstream media. With cyberattacks on EOL software rising—case studies ranging from Windows 7 vulnerabilities to broader industry examples—users are keenly aware of the risks involved in lingering on unsupported systems.
Microsoft’s Messaging Tactics
In response, Microsoft has ramped up its efforts to persuade (and, in some cases, prod) users toward Windows 11. These have included:- Persistent upgrade notifications and promotional pop-ups within Windows 10.
- Blog posts detailing new features, security enhancements, and AI-powered capabilities unique to Windows 11.
- Technical documentation emphasizing Windows 11’s support for future hardware and software standards.
Hardware Requirements: Friction and Frustration
Despite the migration momentum, a significant subset of users remains wary or outright unable to upgrade. Windows 11’s hardware requirements—most notably the need for TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and fairly recent CPUs—leave out a sizable portion of older, though still-capable, systems. For users on the margins, particularly outside North America and Western Europe, this barrier is nontrivial.- In forums and user groups, reports abound of compatible yet unsupported processors, leading to both technical workarounds and a degree of resentment toward Microsoft’s stricter direction.
- Some analysts, including those at Ars Technica and Tom’s Hardware, have questioned the necessity and effectiveness of these hardware mandates, suggesting that the rationale is as much commercial as it is security-oriented.
Gaming, Performance, and Compatibility: Windows 11’s Edge
Feature Advantages for Gamers
Critically, much of Windows 11’s momentum on Steam owes to Microsoft’s DirectStorage, Auto HDR, and improved scheduler for hybrid-core CPUs—features expressly designed to enhance gaming experiences and future-proof performance. Valve, which runs Steam, has repeatedly highlighted Windows 11 as the optimum path for new hardware, especially as titles increasingly leverage advanced graphical and computational resources.Verified Technical Claims
According to Microsoft’s official Windows 11 documentation, DirectStorage can dramatically reduce loading times by enabling games to use high-speed NVMe SSDs more efficiently. Third-party benchmarks, including those published by PCWorld and Digital Foundry, substantiate these claims, with observed reductions in level loading times ranging from 25% to over 50% compared to Windows 10 in select titles.Furthermore, Auto HDR expands the visual palette for compatible monitors and games—another factor that resonates with the enthusiast segment of the Steam population. Meanwhile, support for the latest Intel and AMD processors means that Windows 11, unlike Windows 10, can fully exploit architectural advancements such as big.LITTLE core configurations on Alder Lake and later CPUs.
Reluctance and Compatibility Concerns
Despite these advantages, adoption is far from uniform. Threads on Reddit’s r/Windows11 and Steam Community boards continue to feature users reporting:- Compatibility issues with legacy software and peripherals.
- UI changes that disrupt established workflows.
- Distrust of new AI-powered Windows features (such as Copilot), with some seeking to disable or avoid them entirely.
Perspectives: User Sentiment and Global Context
Explaining the Unusual Uptick in Windows 10
It’s worth noting that in recent months, Steam’s Windows 10 usage actually saw brief, anomalous growth, partially attributable to a surge of new users in China following the launch of blockbuster titles like “Black Myth: Wukong.” Analysis from SteamDB and Chinese media organizations suggest that older or lower-cost hardware in these regions still overwhelmingly relies on Windows 10, tipping the global numbers temporarily before the longer-term Windows 11 trend ultimately reasserted itself.Linux and macOS: Persistent Niche, Notable Growth
While Linux and macOS remain minor players on Steam, their steady gains are noteworthy. The Linux community in particular is vocal and engaged, often seeking alternative solutions out of principle or as a response to perceived corporate overreach in Windows’ evolving ecosystem. Valve’s ongoing investment in Proton—a compatibility layer for running Windows games on Linux—further cements Linux’s role as a long-term wildcard in the OS marketplace.Critical Analysis: Strengths and Risks in the Transition
Strengths
- Security: Windows 11’s robust security requirements (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot) represent a significant step forward for mainstream cybersecurity.
- Performance: Features like DirectStorage and optimized scheduling for modern CPUs deliver tangible, measurable benefits for gamers and power users.
- Future Compatibility: Native support for upcoming hardware standards ensures that Windows 11 is positioned to remain viable well into the next decade.
Potential Risks
- Accessibility: Stringent hardware requirements limit adoption for users on aging (but otherwise functional) PCs, contributing to waste and digital exclusion.
- Fragmentation: Businesses and organizations with substantial Windows 10 deployments face costly, logistically complex migrations—risks compounded by uncertainties around software compatibility and retraining.
- User Frustration: Aggressive upgrade campaigns and UI overhauls risk alienating core segments of the user base, some of whom may explore alternatives like Linux as a consequence.
The AI Factor: Windows Copilot Controversy
A particularly divisive element of Windows 11’s evolution has been the integration of AI features, epitomized by Windows Copilot. While some embrace the productivity enhancements, others cite privacy, security, and efficiency concerns. Objective testing by outlets like ZDNet and independent researchers reveals mixed results—some workflows benefit, while others experience increased system overhead or interruptions.What Comes Next? The Road to October 2025
With just over a year until Windows 10’s support ends, all signs point to a continued, possibly accelerating, migration toward Windows 11 within the gaming community and beyond. Valve’s data, corroborated by independent analysts, shows that user behavior will increasingly align with security imperatives and demands for next-generation performance.For those unable or unwilling to upgrade, the risks will only mount—not just through loss of security updates, but also in terms of access to new software, drivers, and hardware. This reality underscores the importance of planning ahead, whether that means budgeting for new hardware, exploring alternate operating systems, or evaluating paid extended support where available.
Conclusion
The Windows ecosystem stands at the most consequential crossroads in years. Steam’s hardware survey is more than a curiosity; it’s a bellwether for broader usage trends that will affect millions of users and every part of the PC industry. While Windows 11’s technical merits are substantial and seem to be winning over the bulk of gamers and enthusiasts, the road to universal adoption is littered with obstacles—hardware barriers, compatibility pain points, and philosophical debates about the direction of desktop computing.As October 2025 draws nearer, expect more urgency from Microsoft—and more passionate discussion from every corner of the Windows user base. Whether this transition ushers in a new golden era for PC gaming and productivity or triggers new waves of discontent will depend as much on clear communication and continued improvement as on raw technological prowess. For now, the numbers do not lie: Windows 11 is here, it’s winning the hearts and hard drives of Steam users, and the end of Windows 10 is finally within sight.
Source: PC Guide Windows 11 popularity jumps on Steam as we get closer to Windows 10 end of life
