Microsoft’s ambition to establish Windows 11 as the definitive operating system appears to be encountering unexpected hurdles, as recent data indicates a stagnation in adoption rates. According to the latest insights from StatCounter Global Stats, which aggregates data from over 3.8 billion page views monthly across 1.5 million websites, Windows 11’s global market share has begun to wane at a pivotal juncture. The operating system was on track to decisively surpass the 50% mark, yet it has instead experienced a decline just as Microsoft aimed to solidify its user base around this latest platform.
Compounding the situation is the surprising resurgence of Windows 10. Following a peak in July 2024, when Windows 10 held nearly 65% of the market, its share steadily diminished as Windows 11’s adoption gained momentum. However, by spring 2025, Windows 10’s market share dipped below the critical 50% threshold. In a twist of fate, recent months have seen Windows 10 reclaim some ground, reaching 45.53% in August 2025. This rebound comes at a particularly inopportune time for Microsoft, as Windows 10 is set to reach its end-of-life (EOL) in October 2025.
Rather than witnessing a seamless transition to Windows 11, the data suggests that millions of users remain hesitant or unable to upgrade, affecting both business and personal devices. Adding another layer to this narrative is the slight uptick in Windows 7 usage, an operating system that has been unsupported for years. After maintaining a steady share of just over 3% throughout much of 2024, Windows 7 has increased to 3.59% in August 2025. While this growth may seem minimal, it underscores a significant trend: users and organizations continue to rely on legacy systems, often operating on older business laptops.
This persistence may be attributed to specialized hardware or critical business applications, yet it raises ongoing security concerns for the broader ecosystem. The simultaneous decline of Windows 11 alongside the growth of both Windows 10 and Windows 7 reveals a deeper issue: a resistance to change. Despite Microsoft’s vigorous promotion and system requirements intended to facilitate user migration, the company appears to be encountering a ceiling in adoption rates.
Several factors contribute to this phenomenon. Windows 11’s stringent hardware requirements exclude older, yet still functional devices, while enterprises often postpone migration in favor of stability over new features. Additionally, the modest resurgence of Windows 7 suggests that, for certain use cases, even unsupported software may be deemed preferable to the costs associated with upgrading. Some users might even explore alternative operating systems to circumvent these expenses.
If adoption does not accelerate swiftly, Microsoft may find itself entering 2026 with a fragmented user base: one segment on Windows 11 and another clinging to an operating system that is officially obsolete.
