Windows 11 continues to gain traction in the global market, now boasting an impressive installation rate on nearly 75% of desktop PCs worldwide. According to StatCounter, the operating system has achieved a market share of 72.78%, a significant leap from just over 50% in late 2025. This surge in adoption has coincided with a notable decline in Windows 10 installations, which have dropped to 26.27% from around 45% during the same timeframe, marking a stark contrast to the over 80% share it once held during its peak.
Transitioning to Windows 11
Launched in October 2021, Windows 11 took several years to surpass Windows 10 in popularity. The turning point came after Microsoft announced the discontinuation of support for the older operating system, prompting users to make the switch. However, the transition has not been without its challenges. Many potential upgraders faced hurdles due to Windows 11’s stringent hardware requirements, which rendered numerous functioning PCs incompatible. Additionally, the operating system’s requirement for a Microsoft account during setup has deterred some users, who are hesitant to share their personal information with the tech giant.
Despite these obstacles, users have been exploring workarounds for both hardware and account limitations. Yet, Microsoft has been tightening restrictions, leading to concerns about diminishing control over personal devices as major tech companies continue to assert their influence. Interestingly, the recent uptick in Windows 11 adoption may stem more from users upgrading their hardware rather than a deliberate choice to switch operating systems.
In a surprising trend, some former Windows 10 users are opting for alternatives like macOS or Linux instead of investing in the Copilot+ PCs that Microsoft and Qualcomm have been heavily promoting since their launch in the summer of 2024. This shift highlights a growing discontent among users who are seeking more control and flexibility in their computing experiences.
Moreover, Windows 11 has faced its share of technical issues, including a missing sign-in password icon, reduced gaming performance on certain Nvidia discrete GPUs, and even data loss due to unintended BitLocker recovery. Users have reported difficulties in managing their PCs within the Windows Recovery Environment, with some experiencing boot failures following security updates. In response to these concerns, Microsoft has pledged to address the most frustrating flaws in Windows 11, leaving users eager to see how these promises will materialize in the upcoming weeks.
