Next month marks a significant transition for Microsoft as it officially concludes support for the home editions of its Windows 10 operating system. Users are presented with the option to extend this support for an additional year, while business customers enjoy a more generous three-year extension. However, the extent to which consumers will opt for this extension remains uncertain. The process is relatively straightforward; users can access this complimentary extension by enabling the backup functionality during the signup process, aided by a tool designed to facilitate this with minimal interaction.
Shifts in Operating System Popularity
In recent months, Windows 11, the successor to Windows 10, has been steadily gaining ground. It previously dominated the charts on Valve’s influential Steam gaming platform and, for the first time in July, surpassed Windows 10 in Statcounter’s monthly operating system popularity rankings. This shift is not unexpected, given that Windows 10 is approaching its end of support, prompting users to consider migration to Windows 11, provided their devices are compatible, or to upgrade by circumventing compatibility checks, or even purchasing new PCs altogether.
However, an intriguing twist occurred in August 2025, as Statcounter reported a notable decline in Windows 11’s usage share, dropping from 53 percent to 49 percent. In contrast, Windows 10 experienced a resurgence, increasing its share by three points to 45 percent. Even the long-outdated Windows 7 saw a slight uptick, rising by 1.5 points to over three percent. This unexpected reversal raises questions: Are users reverting back to Windows 10, downgrading their machines, or is there another explanation?
While it seems improbable that a significant number of users are downgrading, the fluctuations in statistics could stem from various factors. Statcounter’s data is derived from billions of user visits each month, but it may not accurately reflect the true market share of each operating system or browser. Additionally, it is possible that the calculations for a given month were skewed, leaving room for further developments in the coming weeks.
As we approach the end of support for Windows 10, a decline in its usage share is anticipated. Some users will likely extend their support through the ESU program, while others will transition to Windows 11 or invest in new hardware. There remains a possibility that a segment of users may even explore alternatives such as Linux.
Now You: Which version of Windows do you use, and why?
