In a recent analysis by Statcounter, the anticipated momentum for Windows 11 appears to have encountered a significant hurdle. After a promising half-year trajectory, the operating system’s market share has dipped from 35.6 percent in October to 34.9 percent in November. In contrast, Windows 10 has seen a modest uptick, increasing its market share by nearly a percentage point to reach 61.8 percent.
Market Dynamics in the U.S.
This trend is particularly pronounced in the United States, where Windows 11 has experienced a notable decline of over 3 percent in market share. Meanwhile, Windows 10 has enjoyed a similar rise, suggesting a shift in consumer sentiment towards the older operating system. This shift raises questions about the effectiveness of Microsoft’s strategies to promote its latest offering.
While these figures are not officially sanctioned by Microsoft—who typically releases market share data only during significant milestones—Statcounter’s methodology provides a reliable glimpse into market trends. The firm compiles its statistics from over five billion page views across 1.5 million global websites, making it a credible source for such insights.
Implications for Future Upgrades
The current landscape indicates that the much-anticipated wave of upgrades to Windows 11 may be further delayed. With Microsoft planning to discontinue support for most editions of Windows 10 by October 2025, users may find themselves in a holding pattern as they weigh their options.
Compounding this situation is Microsoft’s recent strategy of deploying full-screen advertisements on Windows 10 devices, urging users to transition to the newer operating system. However, this tactic has not translated into increased adoption rates for Windows 11. Additionally, the Edge browser has also seen a slight decline in market share, despite Microsoft’s persistent promotion within the operating system.
Challenges Ahead
The challenges surrounding hardware compatibility are well-documented. Windows 11’s stringent requirements have rendered millions of Windows 10 devices ineligible for an upgrade, leaving users with little incentive to invest in new hardware. Reports from The Register indicate that some users have even reverted to previous versions of Windows due to dissatisfaction with the new experience.
Nevertheless, the broader decline in Windows 11’s market share, particularly in the U.S., suggests a more complex issue at play. A gradual increase in adoption would be expected, especially as new machines increasingly come pre-installed with Windows 11, yet this has not materialized.
In light of these developments, we have reached out to Statcounter for clarification on any potential changes in their data collection methods and will provide updates should they respond.
