Windows 11 has encountered one of the most sluggish adoption rates among Microsoft’s operating systems, despite being offered as a free upgrade. It has taken over three years for the new OS to gain traction within the gaming community. However, its reign at the top of Steam was fleeting, as Windows 10 has reclaimed its position as the preferred operating system as of February 2025.
Shifting Trends in Gaming
The latest Steam Hardware Survey reveals a significant resurgence for Windows 10 64-bit, which has seen an impressive increase of 10.47%. This surge ensures that more than half of Valve’s tested user base is now operating on the previous-generation OS, while Windows 11 holds a mere 44.10% share.
Determining the precise reasons behind Windows 10’s remarkable comeback is complex. It may be attributed to its reputation as the fastest OS for gaming, or perhaps the myriad of issues plaguing Windows 11, particularly those arising from the 24H2 update this year, have led users to prefer the more stable alternative.
Another contributing factor could be the notable 20.88% increase in Simplified Chinese users. This demographic made a historic leap at the beginning of 2024, becoming the most popular language option on Steam, accounting for 35% of the platform. Currently, it represents half of Valve’s entire user base, which is more than double that of the second most-used language, English.
Gradual Migration to Windows 11
Outside the gaming realm, the transition to Windows 11 continues at a steady pace. According to Statcounter, there has been a consistent 2% monthly increase throughout this year. This gradual shift may be driven by the impending end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, which will leave existing systems vulnerable without security updates. Businesses and consumers alike face potential costs of and per head, respectively, should they continue using the outdated OS.
Despite these pressures, Microsoft has not made the upgrade process particularly seamless. The initial TPM (Trusted Platform Module) requirements meant that only a limited number of systems were compatible when Windows 11 was first introduced. Although TPM has become more common by 2025, even former Microsoft developers have expressed dissatisfaction with its performance.
