A significant shift has occurred in the realm of operating systems, with Windows 11 now officially claiming the title of the most widely used version among Windows PCs. As of July 2025, data from StatCounter indicates that Windows 11 commands a market share of 51.77%, surpassing Windows 10, which holds a 45.02% share for the first time.
Windows 11’s Journey to Dominance
Launched in October 2021, Windows 11 faced an uphill battle during its initial rollout, capturing less than 10% of installations by the end of its first year. However, the tide began to turn in 2023, when its market share climbed to 28%. By late 2024, this figure had risen to 36%, marking a notable trajectory of growth.
This recent surge can be attributed to several key factors:
- End of Support for Windows 10: Microsoft has been emphasizing the impending end of support for standard editions of Windows 10, set for October 14, 2025. This has prompted many users to consider upgrading.
- Hardware Upgrades: Organizations and individual users alike have been investing in new hardware, seeking the latest security enhancements and software improvements that Windows 11 offers.
- Attractive Features: Windows 11 boasts performance optimizations, enhanced security defaults, and built-in support for AI-driven tools, making it appealing not only to enterprises but also to gamers.
As it stands, over 700 million devices are now running Windows 11. While StatCounter’s figures may not encompass every device, they provide a reliable indication of broader trends within the market.
With Windows 10 nearing the end of its mainstream support in October 2025, the coming months will be pivotal. It remains to be seen whether the incentives for upgrading and the allure of new hardware will continue to propel Windows 11’s ascent or if users will opt for extended support instead.
