Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest operating system, enjoyed a surge in its market share in October 2024, reaching a peak of 35.5%. However, this spike was short-lived, as the operating system has now seen a second consecutive month of decline. Statcounter’s data shows Windows 11 lost 0.84 percentage points in December, falling to 34.1%. This dip follows a similar decrease in November, raising questions about the operating system’s long-term adoption.
Meanwhile, Windows 10, which is nearing the end of its mainstream support by October 2025, has regained some ground. Its market share rose to 62.73% in December, up 0.9 percentage points. The shift is noteworthy, especially as Microsoft continues to push for Windows 11 upgrades.
Windows 10 Retains Dominance
Despite the impending end of support for Windows 10, the older operating system still dominates, holding over 62% of the market. This ongoing dominance is partly due to the strict hardware requirements for Windows 11. Many users with older devices, particularly those without TPM 2.0 or compatible CPUs, cannot upgrade to Windows 11, leaving them with no choice but to stay with Windows 10.
Though Windows 11’s market share has grown since last year, when it stood at just 26.54%, it is still far from surpassing Windows 10. This stagnant growth raises concerns within Microsoft, especially as Windows 10’s market share continues to rise, indicating a reluctance among users to make the switch.
Why Windows 11 Struggles to Gain Traction
There are several reasons why Windows 11 continues to struggle. One major factor is that many users who initially upgraded to Windows 11 have reverted to Windows 10 due to dissatisfaction with the new system. The transition to Windows 11 has been challenging for some, with complaints about its performance, compatibility, and interface changes.
Additionally, Windows 10 remains prevalent due to the sale of new hardware pre-installed with the older OS. Kieren Jessop, an analyst at Canalys, pointed out that Windows 10’s market share grew significantly in key regions like the U.S., where it rose from 58% in October to 67% in December. This increase is particularly prominent in enterprises and government sectors.
The Role of Enterprises and Government Institutions
Enterprises and public institutions continue to be a significant force behind Windows 10’s persistence. Many businesses prefer to downgrade Windows 11 devices to Windows 10 as part of their IT refresh cycles. This allows for greater stability and compatibility with existing systems while they gradually prepare for full adoption of Windows 11.
Jessop also speculated that government agencies, especially in the U.S., have made new Windows 10 device purchases, potentially due to budgetary concerns in anticipation of a new political administration. This trend could further prolong Windows 10’s presence in the market.
What’s Next for Windows 10 Users?
With Windows 10’s mainstream support set to end in October 2025, users must decide how to proceed. Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates (ESU) for a fee, providing continued security updates for those unwilling or unable to upgrade to Windows 11. These updates will be available for 12 months at a cost of $30.
Additionally, third-party services like 0patch offer extended security support, though these services come at a higher cost. Some users may attempt to bypass Windows 11’s stringent hardware requirements using workarounds, allowing them to continue using the new OS on unsupported devices.
Current Market Share of Windows OS
According to Statcounter’s latest data, the market share of various Windows operating systems is as follows:
– Windows 10: 62.73% (+0.9 points)
– Windows 11: 34.1% (-0.84 points)
– Windows 7: 2.4% (-0.07 points)
– Windows 8.1: 0.29% (-0.02 points)
– Windows XP: 0.23% (-0.02 points)
These figures reflect a continuing trend of hesitation among users when it comes to fully adopting Windows 11.
Despite Microsoft’s aggressive push for Windows 11 adoption, it appears that the transition is slower than anticipated. Enterprises are moving to the new system at a steady pace, but the switch has not been the mass migration Microsoft had hoped for. Even with the rise of AI-powered PCs, Windows 11’s market share remains stagnant.
As the end of Windows 10’s mainstream support approaches, Microsoft may need to rethink its strategy to encourage more users to embrace Windows 11. Whether by relaxing hardware requirements, offering additional incentives, or extending support, the company must find ways to ease the transition. Until then, Windows 10 will likely remain the dominant OS, with Windows 11 trailing behind.
