Windows 11 Tops Windows 10 as Most Used Desktop OS in 2025

As of July 2025, Windows 11 has officially surpassed Windows 10 to become Microsoft's most widely used desktop operating system. According to data from StatCounter, Windows 11 now holds a 50.88% share of the Windows desktop market, edging out Windows 10, which has declined to 46.2% (windowscentral.com).
This milestone comes nearly four years after Windows 11's initial release in October 2021. The operating system's adoption trajectory has been gradual:

• 2022: Windows 11 captured less than 10% of the market.
• 2023: The share increased to 28%.
• 2024: By the end of the year, it reached 36%.
• 2025: A significant surge in adoption led to the current majority position.

Several factors have influenced this growth. The impending end of support for Windows 10, scheduled for October 14, 2025, has prompted many users to upgrade to Windows 11 to ensure continued security updates and support (windowscentral.com). Additionally, Microsoft's aggressive promotion of Windows 11, including offering free upgrades to eligible devices, has played a role in accelerating adoption.
However, the transition hasn't been without challenges. Windows 11 introduced stricter hardware requirements, such as the necessity for TPM 2.0 modules and newer processors, rendering many older PCs incompatible. This has led to frustration among users with devices that cannot be upgraded without hardware replacements.
Despite these hurdles, Windows 11's market share has continued to grow, reflecting a significant shift in the desktop operating system landscape. As the end-of-support date for Windows 10 approaches, it's anticipated that Windows 11's dominance will further solidify.

Windows 11 Surpasses Windows 10 in Market Share:​

• Windows 11 is now the most popular desktop OS in the world - finally surpasses Windows 10 after 4 years

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Source: Overclocking.com Windows 11 is finally Microsoft's dominant OS! - Overclocking.com EN

 

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In July 2025, Windows 11 achieved a significant milestone by surpassing Windows 10 to become the most widely used desktop operating system. According to data from StatCounter, Windows 11's market share rose to 52%, while Windows 10's share declined to 44.59% (tech.yahoo.com). This shift marks a pivotal moment in Microsoft's operating system evolution, reflecting both the company's strategic initiatives and user adaptation to new technologies.
The Journey to Dominance
Windows 11's ascent was not immediate. Launched in October 2021, its adoption faced initial hurdles due to stringent system requirements, notably the necessity for TPM 2.0, which rendered many older systems incompatible. By the end of 2022, Windows 11 held less than 10% of the market share (windowscentral.com). However, a combination of factors contributed to its gradual rise:

• Hardware Upgrades: As users replaced aging hardware, new devices came pre-installed with Windows 11, facilitating its spread.
• End of Support for Windows 10: Microsoft's announcement that Windows 10 support would end on October 14, 2025, prompted users and organizations to transition to the newer OS to ensure continued security updates and support (tech.yahoo.com).
• Enhanced Features: Windows 11 introduced features like improved window management, integrated Microsoft Teams, and support for Android apps, appealing to both individual users and enterprises.

Market Share Dynamics
The market share statistics over recent months illustrate the rapid adoption of Windows 11:

• January 2025: Windows 11 held 36.65% of the market, while Windows 10 stood at 60.33% (neowin.net).
• June 2025: Windows 11's share increased to 47.98%, nearly matching Windows 10's 48.76% (neowin.net).
• July 2025: Windows 11 surpassed Windows 10, reaching 52% market share (tech.yahoo.com).

This trajectory underscores a significant shift in user preference and the effectiveness of Microsoft's strategies to promote Windows 11.
User Reception and Challenges
Despite its growing popularity, Windows 11 has faced criticism:

• Mandatory Microsoft Account Sign-In: Users have expressed concerns over the requirement to sign in with a Microsoft account during setup, viewing it as an unnecessary imposition.
• System Requirements: The stringent hardware requirements excluded many older devices, leading to frustration among users unable to upgrade.
• Integrated Services and Ads: The inclusion of service tie-ins and advertisements within the OS has been a point of contention, with users seeking a more streamlined experience.

Microsoft has acknowledged these concerns and is working on updates to address user feedback, aiming to balance innovation with user satisfaction.
Future Outlook
As Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support date, the adoption of Windows 11 is expected to continue its upward trend. Microsoft's focus on integrating AI features, enhancing security, and improving user experience positions Windows 11 as a robust platform for the future. However, the company must navigate user concerns carefully to maintain and grow its user base.
In conclusion, Windows 11's overtaking of Windows 10 signifies a new chapter in Microsoft's operating system history. While the transition has been met with both enthusiasm and criticism, the overall trend indicates a successful adoption of the new platform, setting the stage for future developments in the Windows ecosystem.

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Source: Pokde.Net Windows 11 Is Now Officially The Most Popular Windows OS In The World - Pokde.Net

 

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In July 2025, Windows 11 achieved a significant milestone by surpassing Windows 10 to become the most widely used desktop operating system globally. According to data from StatCounter, Windows 11 now holds 51.77% of the Windows market share, while Windows 10 has declined to 45.02%. (techpowerup.com)
This shift marks a pivotal moment in Microsoft's operating system evolution. Since its release in October 2021, Windows 11's adoption was initially sluggish, capturing less than 10% of the market by the end of its first year. However, a combination of factors has accelerated its growth in recent months.
Impending End of Windows 10 Support
A primary driver for the increased adoption of Windows 11 is the approaching end of support for Windows 10. Microsoft has announced that standard support for Windows 10 will conclude on October 14, 2025. This deadline has prompted both individual users and organizations to transition to Windows 11 to ensure continued security updates and support. (theregister.com)
Hardware Upgrades and Compatibility
The adoption of Windows 11 has also been influenced by hardware considerations. The operating system's stringent system requirements, including the necessity for TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, have rendered many older PCs incompatible. Consequently, users seeking to upgrade have often opted to purchase new hardware that supports Windows 11, thereby boosting its market share. (windowscentral.com)
Enhanced Features and Performance
Windows 11 offers several enhancements over its predecessor, including performance optimizations, improved security features, and a redesigned user interface. These improvements have made it more appealing to users, particularly in enterprise environments where security and performance are paramount. (techpowerup.com)
Gaming Community Adoption
The gaming community has also shown a growing preference for Windows 11. According to Steam's Hardware & Software Survey, Windows 11 has become the most used Windows OS among gamers, surpassing Windows 10. This trend indicates that even performance-sensitive users are recognizing the benefits of the newer operating system. (windowscentral.com)
Microsoft's Strategic Initiatives
Microsoft has actively encouraged the transition to Windows 11 through various initiatives. The company has offered free upgrades to eligible Windows 10 users and has implemented aggressive marketing campaigns to highlight the advantages of Windows 11. Additionally, Microsoft has introduced features like Copilot+ PCs, which offer exclusive AI capabilities available only on Windows 11, further incentivizing users to upgrade. (windowscentral.com)
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the positive momentum, the transition to Windows 11 has not been without challenges. Some users have expressed concerns over the operating system's hardware requirements, which exclude a significant number of older devices. Additionally, there have been reports of performance issues in certain scenarios, particularly in gaming, where some titles have been observed to run slower on Windows 11 compared to Windows 10. (en.wikipedia.org)
Conclusion
The overtaking of Windows 10 by Windows 11 signifies a major shift in the desktop operating system landscape. While the transition has been gradual, the combination of impending end-of-support deadlines, hardware upgrades, and enhanced features has propelled Windows 11 to the forefront. As Microsoft continues to refine and promote its latest operating system, it is likely that Windows 11's market share will continue to grow, solidifying its position as the dominant desktop OS.

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Source: Computing UK https://www.computing.co.uk/news/2025/windows-11-finally-overtakes-windows-10/