2025-07-07 10:39:00
Windows 11 Finally Takes the Crown
The OS is now the most popular, four years after its release.
- Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 in market share.
- The shift happened nearly four years after Windows 11’s launch.
- Windows 10 support ends on October 14th.
- Hardware requirements slowed Windows 11 adoption.
The reign of Windows 10 is coming to an end as the newer Windows 11 has officially become the most popular desktop operating system.
A Change in Scenery
After nearly four years, what is the most used desktop operating system? As of recent data, Windows 11 captures 52 percent of the market, exceeding Windows 10, which holds 44.59 percent.
The rise of Windows 11 marks a significant shift in the desktop OS landscape.
Adoption Pace
While Windows 11 now leads, its journey to the top wasn’t a sprint. Leaked data from October 2023 showed that Windows 11 was active on over 400 million devices.
However, Windows 10 reached the same milestone in half the time.
Hardware Hurdles
One reason for the slower adoption is Windows 11’s stricter hardware requirements. Microsoft offered a free upgrade to Windows 10 users, but millions of older machines don’t meet the CPU and security standards.
Microsoft has actively encouraged users to upgrade their hardware to experience Windows 11, sometimes using full-screen prompts.
What’s Next for Windows 10?
Windows 10 is slated to reach its end-of-support date on October 14th. Microsoft is offering users a lifeline: a free year of extended security updates.
To qualify, users must enable Windows Backup and sync their Documents folder to OneDrive. Alternatively, users can pay $30 for a year of updates or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points.
