In the latest analysis of operating system trends, Windows 11 has made notable strides, recently surpassing Windows 10 in usage on the gaming platform Steam. According to the latest statistics, Windows 11 now powers 49.17% of devices on Steam, while Windows 10 trails closely behind at 47.09%. This shift, although marginal, signals a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of Microsoft’s operating systems.
However, the broader picture painted by Statcounter tells a different story. Here, Windows 10 remains the dominant player, commanding a substantial 64.15% of the Windows market, compared to Windows 11’s 31.61%. Despite this disparity, the trend indicates a gradual decline for Windows 10 and a steady rise for its successor, Windows 11.
How surprising is this development
Analyzing the data over time reveals a consistent upward trajectory for Windows 11. While month-to-month comparisons can often be misleading due to fluctuations, the overall trend suggests that users are increasingly adopting the newer operating system. This is not entirely unexpected; as the latest version, Windows 11 is pre-installed on the majority of new PCs sold today, making it more accessible to consumers.
This is the surprise
What stands out in this narrative is the resilience of Windows 10. Launched amid mixed reviews in 2015, Windows 10 faced stiff competition from its predecessor, Windows 7, which had a loyal user base. The transition to Windows 10 was initially slow, hampered by the less favorable reception of Windows 8 and 8.1. Microsoft had ambitious goals, once claiming that Windows 10 would run on a billion devices, a target it ultimately revised as adoption rates lagged.
Unlike its predecessor, Windows 11 does not offer the same upgrade incentives. Many older devices are incompatible with the new operating system, leaving users with limited options. While there are workarounds available, they often require technical expertise and come with risks, as Microsoft does not guarantee updates for unsupported systems. Consequently, many users remain on Windows 10, which will continue to receive extended security updates from Microsoft for at least three more years, albeit at a cost.
For those seeking alternatives, 0Patch offers a solution, providing micro-patches for Windows 10 that extend its security support beyond Microsoft’s timeline. Priced at approximately per year, it presents a potentially more affordable option for users who wish to maintain their current systems without transitioning to Windows 11.
One year left for Windows 10 officially
As the clock ticks down, Windows 10 users have about a year until official support ends in October 2025. This impending deadline will force many to make critical decisions: whether to invest in continued security updates from Microsoft or 0Patch, to navigate the risks of running an unsupported system, to explore alternatives like Linux, or to upgrade their hardware altogether.
The next 13 months will likely see a decline in Windows 10 usage as more users transition to Windows 11. However, the question remains: how will Microsoft respond if a significant portion of its user base continues to rely on Windows 10? As the landscape shifts, the choices made by users will shape the future of Windows and its ecosystem.
What are your thoughts on this evolving situation? Are you still using Windows 10, and what are your plans for the upcoming year?
