Windows 11's global dominance sets in: Outpaces Windows 10 after a four-year streak, claiming the title of the leading desktop operating system.
In a significant shift in the tech landscape, Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 to become the most dominant version of Microsoft's operating system. According to recent data, Windows 11 is now used on over 700 million monthly active devices, accounting for 50.88% of the Windows market, with Windows 10 holding 46.2%.
This growth can be attributed to several factors. The end-of-support deadline for Windows 10, set for October 14, 2025, has prompted both individuals and organizations to upgrade to Windows 11 to maintain critical security updates and patch support. Microsoft's migration tools, deployment aids, and educational materials have also made the upgrade process more accessible. Increased marketing efforts and "upgrade now" reminders within Windows Update have encouraged users to switch.
Businesses and educational institutions, driven by regulatory standards or premium security update programs, have also accelerated their migration plans. The natural replacement of older PCs with new devices that come pre-installed with Windows 11 has contributed to its growth.
However, the potential implications of an extra year of free security updates for Windows 10 users are not yet clear. While this offer could slow down the migration to Windows 11, it could also affect market dynamics and potentially influence the pace at which Windows 11 gains market share over Windows 10.
Microsoft is offering a further year of security updates for free to Windows 10 users who sign into a Microsoft Account and back up their PC settings data to the cloud. However, this is not a definitive solution for those with ineligible PCs, as Windows 11 requires higher system requirements compared to previous versions. Users who wish to move to Windows 11 and have ineligible PCs may need to purchase a new Windows 11 PC.
It's worth noting that Windows 11 comes pre-loaded with ads and bloat, similar to Windows 10. Microsoft recommends purchasing a Copilot+ PC for exclusive AI features, available only on devices with a dedicated NPU outputting at least 40 TOPS of power.
Windows 11's first version, released in 2021, has grown significantly from less than 10% of the market in 2022 to its current dominance in 2025. The operating system has also recently become the most used Windows OS on Steam for gamers.
Microsoft has emphasized its desire for as many users as possible to switch to Windows 11. The setup process involves downloading and installing the latest updates before use. Despite the growth, a significant number of remaining Windows 10 PCs on the market do not meet the system requirements for Windows 11.
[1] Microsoft (2022). Windows 11: A Comprehensive Guide for Users. [Online]. Available: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-guide [2] Microsoft (2023). Windows 11: Extended Security Updates. [Online]. Available: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-security-updates
- The upsurge in the use of Windows 11 on over 700 million monthly active devices underscores its status as the most dominant version of Microsoft's operating system.
- The software giant, Microsoft, offers an additional year of security updates for free to Windows 10 users who comply with the specified eligibility criteria, a move that could potentially affect the pace at which Windows 11 gains market share over Windows 10.
- The new operating system, Windows 11, has gained traction among gamers and become the most used Windows OS on Steam, further solidifying its position.
- Microsoft strongly encourages users to switch to Windows 11, but a substantial number of the remaining Windows 10 PCs on the market fail to meet the system requirements for Windows 11, making such a transition challenging.
- Despite the availability of migration tools, deployment aids, and educational materials, an end-of-support deadline for Windows 10 has driven users to upgrade to Windows 11 for critical security updates and patch support.
- Microsoft has designed the PC Copilot+ series to take advantage of AI features exclusively available on devices with a dedicated Neural Processing Unit, offering at least 40 TOPS of power.
- In line with Microsoft's tech-focused imperative, the setup process for Windows 11 involves downloading and installing the latest updates before its initial use.
