Windows 11 adoption spikes despite Microsoft’s free ways to stay on Windows 10

Microsoft’s Windows 11 has been on the market for nearly four years, presenting a modern interface that many users appreciate. However, it still lacks some beloved features from Windows 10, notably the ability to reposition the taskbar. This absence has left a significant number of users hesitant to transition from Windows 10, as they weigh the importance of these features against the allure of a more contemporary operating system.

For those still relying on Windows 10, a pivotal decision looms. Microsoft has announced that security updates for Windows 10 will cease on October 15, 2025. Users must either upgrade to Windows 11 or enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which offers a year of security updates for a fee of . Alternatively, users can opt for a hassle-free enrollment at no cost. While the prospect of remaining on Windows 10 for free is appealing, the trend indicates that an increasing number of users are opting to make the switch to Windows 11.

Windows 11 catches up to Windows 10 market share

Recent data from StatCounter reveals an interesting shift in the operating system landscape. In countries such as the United States, Canada, and the UK, Windows 11 has already surpassed Windows 10 in market share. However, on a global scale, Windows 11 holds a market share of 47.98%, still trailing behind Windows 10, which stands at 48.76%.

This marks the closest Windows 11 has come to matching its predecessor. Notably, the increase in Windows 11’s market share coincides with a decline in Windows 10’s user base. From March to May of this year, both operating systems maintained relatively stable market shares. However, June brought a notable change, with Windows 11 experiencing a surge of over four percentage points in adoption, while Windows 10 saw a corresponding decline.

Interestingly, the third most utilized version of Windows is not Windows 8 or 8.1, but rather the venerable Windows 7, which still commands a 2.19% share. Windows XP follows with a 0.43% market share, while Windows 8 and 8.1 linger at 0.31% and 0.28%, respectively. It is essential to note that StatCounter’s data is derived from websites utilizing its tracking code, which is present on more than 1.5 billion sites globally. Thus, while the data provides valuable insights into trends in operating system usage, it may not fully capture the entire landscape of PC operating systems.

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Windows 11 adoption spikes despite Microsoft’s free ways to stay on Windows 10