Highlights:
- Windows 11 now leads the global desktop OS market, overtaking Windows 10 with over 51% market share.
- The shift comes ahead of Windows 10’s official end of support on October 14, 2025.
- Adoption was initially slow due to strict hardware requirements and user resistance.
- Recent AI-enabled hardware and Microsoft’s upgrade pressure have driven a sharp increase in Windows 11 installations.
- Users with older PCs face a choice: pay for extended support or buy new, compatible hardware.
Adoption Milestone Reached
In a major milestone for Microsoft, Windows 11 has officially surpassed Windows 10 as the most-used desktop operating system globally. According to StatCounter’s July 2025 data, Windows 11 now holds 51.77% of the global Windows market share, overtaking Windows 10’s 45.02%. This marks a significant turning point ahead of the upcoming October 14 deadline, when Microsoft will end mainstream support for Windows 10.
Slow Start, Then Rapid Climb
Initially launched in October 2021, Windows 11 struggled to gain traction. It took nearly two years to reach 400 million users—half the time it took Windows 10. The slow uptake was attributed to high system requirements, including the need for a TPM 2.0 security chip and newer CPUs, rendering many existing machines ineligible. According to Windows Central, some users even faced full-screen upgrade prompts on Windows 10 as Microsoft ramped up its efforts.
What Drove the Sudden Surge?
The recent spike in adoption can be credited to several key factors. Microsoft’s aggressive push to upgrade users before Windows 10’s end-of-life has intensified. Users were offered incentives like bonus Microsoft Rewards points or a $30 support extension fee for continued updates. Additionally, the rise of Copilot+ PCs—featuring next-generation AI capabilities—has made newer Windows 11 devices more attractive.
What Lies Ahead
Microsoft plans a smoother transition with the Windows 11 25H2 update this fall, built on the same platform as 24H2, to minimize disruptions for enterprise users. However, users on legacy hardware are left with limited options—either upgrade their systems or face a future without support.
As the PC industry enters what analysts call a “major upgrade cycle,” Windows 11’s dominance signals a broader shift toward modern hardware and AI-powered computing.
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