In a significant shift within the tech landscape, millions of PC users are moving away from Windows 10, a development that aligns with Microsoft’s strategic vision. The company, which launched this operating system in July 2015, is encouraging users to transition ahead of the impending end of support set for October 14, 2025. After this date, Microsoft will cease to provide security updates and bug fixes for Windows 10, leaving devices vulnerable to potential cyber threats.
Market Trends and User Behavior
Recent data from Statcounter reveals that the market share for Windows 10 has dipped below 65%, marking an 11% decline since July of the previous year. With approximately 1.5 billion devices running on Windows globally, this translates to about 165 million PCs that have shifted away from the aging operating system. As the countdown to the end of support continues, the trend appears to be accelerating, with Windows 10 usage declining by over 1% last month alone.
The fate of these departing PCs remains uncertain. Some users may be taking advantage of Microsoft’s free upgrade offer to transition to Windows 11, while others might be opting for new machines or even considering free alternatives from competitors like Google. The data also indicates a corresponding rise in the adoption of Windows 11, which recently surpassed the 30% market share milestone for the first time since its launch in October 2021. Year-over-year, Windows 11 usage has increased by 7.17%, effectively absorbing the market share lost by Windows 10.
- Windows 10 market share has dropped below 65%.
- Approximately 165 million PCs have transitioned away from Windows 10.
- Windows 11 has crossed the 30% market share threshold.
Despite these shifts, it is important to note that Windows 10 still retains more than double the user base of its successor.
Innovations in the Windows Ecosystem
In mid-June, Microsoft, alongside major PC manufacturers like Samsung and Lenovo, introduced a new category of devices known as Copilot+ PCs. These innovative laptops are equipped with specialized AI chipsets, allowing them to offer unique features not available in previous Windows 11 models. The integration of a Neural Processing Unit enables functionalities such as real-time translation during video calls, a new Image Creator for generating images from text prompts, and a feature called Recall, designed to enhance user experience by remembering actions taken on the PC. However, the rollout of Recall has faced delays due to security concerns, following advisories from industry figures like Elon Musk.
Additionally, these new devices come with a dedicated button for Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant, marking the first significant alteration to the Windows keyboard layout since the introduction of the Start key in 1994. The combination of these innovative features, the impending support deadline for Windows 10, and the overall evolution of user preferences may have contributed to the notable changes in market share dynamics.
