Windows 11 adoption

Winsage
December 5, 2025
Approximately 500 million users have PCs that qualify for Windows 11 but have not yet upgraded. Microsoft has announced that all supported systems can download and install Windows 11 version 25H2, available for both Windows 11 and Windows 10 users with the necessary system requirements. The update may encounter installation errors, such as the 0x80070306, and users may experience issues like disruptions to dark mode in File Explorer and complications with Intel Arc GPU drivers. Microsoft is working on a resolution for these problems, but a specific timeline for fixes is not provided. Users can check for the Windows 11 upgrade by going to Settings > Windows Update and selecting "Check for updates." This feature is exclusive to qualifying PCs.
Winsage
December 3, 2025
By November 2025, Windows 11 held 53.7 percent of the Windows desktop market, while Windows 10 had 42.7 percent. Statcounter's data is based on a sample of around 1.5 million websites. Many consumers have devices incompatible with upgrades or prefer not to change functioning systems. In the EU, consumers benefit from free Microsoft Extended Security Updates (ESU). Businesses face slow change management processes due to poor planning and resource challenges. Organizations use ESUs to maintain security during transitions, but costs can be burdensome for unprepared businesses. Consumers often retain older Windows 10 machines for secondary tasks, affecting usage statistics. Organizations strategically leverage ESUs for mission-critical systems and budget constraints. The cost of ESUs is often less than the potential disruptions from migration. Windows 11 lacks compelling features to prompt enterprises to upgrade, and adoption is slower than previous operating systems, lagging by 10-12 points according to Dell's COO.
Winsage
December 1, 2025
Dell's COO, Jeff Clarke, reported that approximately 1.5 billion Windows devices are in use globally, with about 500 million capable of running Windows 11 that have not been upgraded and another 500 million devices too outdated to support the new operating system. He noted that Dell's sales figures for Windows 11 are lagging by 10 to 12 points compared to previous generations. One-third of the Windows user base lacks a compatible PC for Windows 11, while another third has the capability to upgrade but has chosen not to. Additionally, businesses may be hesitant to adopt Windows 11 due to concerns about stability and compatibility.
Winsage
November 27, 2025
Windows 10 reached the end of its support in October, with approximately 1 billion PCs still using it. During Dell's Q3 earnings call, COO Jeffrey Clarke mentioned that about 500 million PCs are capable of running Windows 11 but haven't been upgraded, while another 500 million are too old to upgrade. A study from July indicated that around 50% of all PCs were still on Windows 10, and Windows 11 only surpassed Windows 10 in market share in June. Microsoft provided a year of free security updates for Windows 10, which may have slowed the transition to Windows 11. A developer from Zorin OS reported that around 780,000 users switched from Windows 10 to their Linux distribution since support ended. Microsoft Windows lead Pavan Davuluri stated that nearly 1 billion users currently rely on Windows 11, with the potential for this number to double if hardware requirements are reconsidered or upgrades are encouraged.
Winsage
November 4, 2025
Microsoft has concluded free support for most versions of Windows 10 as of October 14, while Windows 10 still holds a market share of 41.71 percent compared to Windows 11's 55.18 percent. The adoption of Windows 11 is increasing slowly, and many enterprises using Windows 10 should have enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. Factors such as hardware replacement cycles, economic conditions, and tariffs are influencing the pace of migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Microsoft plans to integrate AI services into the Windows environment but has not indicated plans to impose similar hardware compatibility restrictions as seen with Windows 11.
Winsage
October 3, 2025
Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life on October 14, 2025, leaving users without security updates. As of 2020, Windows 10 had over 700 million users, but many may not be able to upgrade to Windows 11 due to its hardware requirements. Google has launched an advertising campaign targeting Windows 10 users, promoting Chromebooks as a secure alternative. Windows 10 is still the operating system for nearly half of all PCs, while Windows 11 adoption is around 40%. Over 200 million PCs are estimated to be ineligible for the Windows 11 upgrade. Chromebooks are popular in educational settings and come with automatic updates, though they may lack access to traditional Windows applications. Google also offers ChromeOS Flex to repurpose older Windows hardware.
Winsage
September 5, 2025
Microsoft's deadline for Windows 10 is approaching in less than two months. Only half of Windows PCs have upgraded to Windows 11, with the other half hesitant to do so. Windows 11 accounts for about half of global installations, while Windows 10 gained market share in August. Large enterprises are expected to prioritize upgrading to Windows 11, while small businesses are likely to delay upgrades. Rising PC prices and the impact of import tariffs are making consumers cautious about new purchases. Microsoft is extending security updates for Windows 10 with additional requirements for users.
Winsage
September 2, 2025
Microsoft has rolled out Windows 11 25H2 to Windows Insiders in the Release Preview channel, with general availability expected later this year. Windows 11 25H2 operates on the same servicing branch as Windows 11 24H2 and primarily serves as an enablement package. PowerShell 2.0 will be phased out, while administrators will be able to remove pre-installed Microsoft Store applications through Group Policy. Windows 11 has a market share of 49.08 percent, compared to Windows 10's 45.53 percent. In the US, Windows 11 has nearly 60 percent market share, while Windows 10 is below 40 percent. In Europe, Windows 10 remains dominant. Statcounter's data is based on approximately 1.5 million websites. Despite the upcoming end of support for many Windows 10 versions, a significant increase in Windows 11 adoption has not yet been observed.
Search