In July 2025, Windows 11 achieved a significant milestone by surpassing Windows 10 in market share, marking a pivotal moment in Microsoft's operating system evolution. According to data from StatCounter, Windows 11 now holds 50.88% of the Windows market, while Windows 10's share has declined to 46.2%. (windowscentral.com)
This transition reflects a combination of strategic initiatives by Microsoft and evolving user preferences. Since its release in October 2021, Windows 11 faced initial adoption challenges, capturing less than 10% market share by the end of 2022. However, a series of factors have contributed to its recent surge:
- Impending End of Windows 10 Support: Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 10 will conclude on October 14, 2025. This deadline has prompted users and organizations to transition to Windows 11 to ensure continued security updates and support. (pcgamer.com)
- Hardware Compatibility and Upgrades: Windows 11's stringent hardware requirements, including the necessity for TPM 2.0 and newer processors, have led many users to upgrade their hardware. This hardware refresh cycle has naturally facilitated the adoption of Windows 11. (laptopmag.com)
- Enhanced Features and Performance: Windows 11 offers a redesigned user interface, improved performance, and integrated AI capabilities through features like Copilot. These enhancements have appealed to both individual users and enterprises seeking modernized computing experiences. (techradar.com)
The gaming community has also played a role in this shift. Windows 11 recently became the most used operating system among gamers on the Steam platform, indicating its growing acceptance in performance-intensive applications. (forbes.com)
Looking ahead, Microsoft is focusing on maintaining platform stability to avoid compatibility issues. The upcoming 25H2 update, scheduled for fall 2025, will be based on the same platform release as version 24H2, ensuring a seamless user experience. (windowscentral.com)
In conclusion, Windows 11's overtaking of Windows 10 signifies a major shift in the desktop operating system landscape. While the transition has been gradual and accompanied by challenges, Microsoft's strategic initiatives and the operating system's enhanced features have driven its growing adoption. As the end of Windows 10 support approaches, it is anticipated that Windows 11's market share will continue to rise, solidifying its position as the leading desktop operating system.
Source: Mezha.Media Windows 11 overtakes Windows 10 in popularity for the first time
