Windows 11 has recently experienced a notable decline in its global desktop market share, slipping from a robust 55.18% in October 2025 to a more modest 50.73% by December. This downward trend has raised eyebrows, especially as it now faces the possibility of being outpaced by its predecessor, Windows 10, which remains in use by a significant number of users.
Statcounter’s data reveals a concerning trajectory for Windows 11, which saw its market share drop consecutively over two months. While the reasons behind this decline remain speculative, the timing certainly coincides with several factors that could be influencing user sentiment.
Why is Windows 11 losing market share?
Despite Statcounter not providing explicit reasons for the decrease, the context surrounding Windows 11’s rollout and subsequent issues cannot be overlooked. Initially, Windows 11 gained traction, surpassing Windows 10 in June 2025, aided by Microsoft’s aggressive promotion strategies. The company implemented full-screen prompts encouraging users to upgrade and even developed a migration tool to facilitate the transition from Windows 10, especially as support for the older OS came to an end in October 2025.
However, the start of 2026 has been tumultuous for Windows 11, marred by a series of technical hiccups, including a problematic Patch Tuesday that left many users unable to run essential applications or shut down their devices without reverting to earlier versions of the operating system. Such disruptions have undoubtedly contributed to a growing sense of frustration among users.
Moreover, Microsoft’s decision to grant the FBI access to BitLocker encryption keys upon request has further eroded trust in the platform. As noted by tech commentator Daniel Rubino, the issue with Windows 11 is not necessarily a lack of features but rather a crisis of confidence. Users feel increasingly disconnected from the updates and changes being made to the OS, leading to dissatisfaction.
Public perception of Windows 11 has also suffered due to the increasing presence of advertisements within the operating system and the push towards AI integration. This has sparked discontent among users who feel that their paid software is becoming a platform for marketing rather than a tool for productivity.
Complaints about Windows 11 have proliferated across various platforms, transitioning from niche forums to mainstream channels. Influencers and tech reviewers have echoed these sentiments, with YouTuber Dave Lee recently highlighting the disconnect between the impressive capabilities of new hardware and the shortcomings of Windows 11 itself. The consensus among critics suggests that while PC hardware has reached new heights, the operating system struggles to keep pace.
As Windows 11 grapples with these multifaceted challenges, the decline in its market share serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between innovation and user satisfaction. The ongoing issues may not point to a single cause but rather a culmination of factors that have left users questioning their loyalty to the latest iteration of Microsoft’s flagship operating system.
