Is your computer still rocking Windows 10 while Microsoft knocks on your digital door, urging you to upgrade? Well, it appears you're not alone—and the numbers are backing you up. Despite Microsoft’s concerted efforts to steer loyal Windows 10 users toward its shiny newer sibling, Windows 11, the crown of the world’s most popular operating system isn’t budging from its seasoned predecessor. But here's the real kicker: Windows 11 is not just failing to catch up. It's actually losing market share to... Windows 10. And no, you didn’t stumble into a time machine back to 2015.
Let's break it down and look at the bigger picture: Why is Windows 11 losing steam, and what does it mean for you and the wider tech landscape?
That reversal in user behaviors is significant, particularly given Microsoft's heavy-handed tactics to convert users. As the October 2025 cut-off date approaches for Windows 10 support, Microsoft has escalated its "persuasive" advertising campaigns within Windows 10 systems. But it's starting to look like users aren’t interested in upgrading—or outright can’t.
So, what are these users supposed to do? With Windows 10’s clock ticking toward irrelevance—support ends October 25, 2025—many may face the unappealing options of upgrading their hardware (costly) or transitioning to alternative operating systems like Linux (technically challenging for average users). Some might simply stick with an unsupported Windows 10, opening themselves to potential cyberthreats.
Windows 11, despite improvements to user interface design and enhanced security features, has had mixed reviews. The new Taskbar, centered Start Menu, and widget system have been polarizing. Additionally, users with specific workflows lament certain design changes, such as taskbar functionality (remember when you could drag and drop files onto your taskbar apps in Windows 10?).
These factors create friction, making aging into Windows 11 feel less like upgrading and more like awkwardly adopting something unfamiliar.
But what happens if millions of users refuse to be nudged—and millions more can’t upgrade? Unless Microsoft adjusts its current position (think extended support for Windows 10 or relaxed requirements for Windows 11), come 2025, millions of Windows 10 PCs could turn from vital tools into ticking time bombs for cyber risks.
Either way, the clock’s ticking.
So, fellow WindowsForum dwellers, are you sticking with Windows 10 until the bitter end, or have you already embraced Windows 11’s center-justified horizons? Share your take below—let’s hash it out!
Source: TweakTown Windows 11 loses customers amid the world's most popular OS gaining traction
Let's break it down and look at the bigger picture: Why is Windows 11 losing steam, and what does it mean for you and the wider tech landscape?
A Numbers Game Gone Wrong?
According to recent market analysis from Statcounter, Windows 11 dipped slightly from a 35.6% market share in October 2024 to 34.9% in November. That may sound trivial, but we're talking about millions of devices making that shift over a single month. In complete contrast, Windows 10—launched way back in 2015—grew its share to just under 62%, reclaiming some territory Microsoft would likely rather it surrendered.That reversal in user behaviors is significant, particularly given Microsoft's heavy-handed tactics to convert users. As the October 2025 cut-off date approaches for Windows 10 support, Microsoft has escalated its "persuasive" advertising campaigns within Windows 10 systems. But it's starting to look like users aren’t interested in upgrading—or outright can’t.
The Hardware Hurdle
Here's the clunky elephant in the room: Windows 11's demanding hardware requirements. If you’ve been following the Windows 11 saga, you might already know that upgrading is no walk in the park for older devices. Windows 11 demands strict system specifications, including:- A TPM 2.0 module (Trusted Platform Module), a security feature that many older PCs lack.
- At least an 8th-generation Intel or AMD Zen 2 or later processor.
- 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage at minimum (don't get us started on how barebones these specs feel in 2024).
- UEFI firmware with Secure Boot.
E-Waste and Landfill Chaos
One significant collateral effect of these strict hardware rules is the strain on sustainability. Let’s face it: Tossing 240 million PCs into landfills isn’t exactly an environmentally friendly solution. Even if some of these systems could technically run Windows 11 with bypassed hardware checks, such workarounds aren't officially supported, increasing risks for stability, security, and application compatibility.So, what are these users supposed to do? With Windows 10’s clock ticking toward irrelevance—support ends October 25, 2025—many may face the unappealing options of upgrading their hardware (costly) or transitioning to alternative operating systems like Linux (technically challenging for average users). Some might simply stick with an unsupported Windows 10, opening themselves to potential cyberthreats.
The Popularity Problem
Despite its looming death, Windows 10 remains the workhorse of the Windows ecosystem. Let’s not forget that it spent years being marketed as "the last version of Windows," with Microsoft promising iterative updates instead of releasing an entirely new OS. It was familiar, balanced, and relatively stable—something Windows 11 hasn’t consistently achieved in its younger life.Windows 11, despite improvements to user interface design and enhanced security features, has had mixed reviews. The new Taskbar, centered Start Menu, and widget system have been polarizing. Additionally, users with specific workflows lament certain design changes, such as taskbar functionality (remember when you could drag and drop files onto your taskbar apps in Windows 10?).
These factors create friction, making aging into Windows 11 feel less like upgrading and more like awkwardly adopting something unfamiliar.
Windows 10: The Security Time Bomb
So why does Microsoft insist you move to Windows 11? It boils down to security and ecosystem consistency. Once Windows 10 support ends, it will no longer receive:- Security Updates: These are critical patches that safeguard against vulnerabilities and cyberthreats.
- Bug Fixes: Software issues will remain unresolved.
- Compatibility Improvements: New peripherals and software may stop supporting Windows 10.
But what happens if millions of users refuse to be nudged—and millions more can’t upgrade? Unless Microsoft adjusts its current position (think extended support for Windows 10 or relaxed requirements for Windows 11), come 2025, millions of Windows 10 PCs could turn from vital tools into ticking time bombs for cyber risks.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Status quo aside, Microsoft has some major decisions ahead:- Revise Windows 11 Requirements: While unlikely, relaxing hardware checks could bring back users on older systems.
- Extended Support for Windows 10: Extending Windows 10’s lifecycle might alleviate the growing tension while Microsoft reforms its approach.
- Focus on Education & Appeal: Highlighting the actual benefits of Windows 11—better interface customization, improved performance on new apps—might sway users if delivered more persuasively.
Either way, the clock’s ticking.
Closing Thoughts
What started as a routine Windows update ecosystem has turned into a cultural battle between old reliable (Windows 10) versus the new kid on the block (Windows 11). Beyond the numbers are real-world implications: millions of users unwilling or unable to move forward while Microsoft adjusts its strategy on the fly. And as we march toward October 2025, this digital tug-of-war's stakes will only get higher.So, fellow WindowsForum dwellers, are you sticking with Windows 10 until the bitter end, or have you already embraced Windows 11’s center-justified horizons? Share your take below—let’s hash it out!
Source: TweakTown Windows 11 loses customers amid the world's most popular OS gaining traction
