The landscape of operating systems is witnessing an intriguing shift as users navigate the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. While many are embracing the latest offerings, a surprising resurgence of interest in Windows 7 has emerged, as highlighted by recent statistics from StatCounter. This unexpected trend has sparked conversations within the tech community, particularly as Windows 10 approaches its end of support in October.
Why Windows 7 usage is surging in 2025 despite being retired
As Windows 10’s support deadline looms, a significant number of users are opting to upgrade to Windows 11 or invest in new hardware. Notably, Windows 11 achieved a remarkable milestone in July, surpassing Windows 10 in global market share for the first time. By September, Windows 11’s share climbed to an impressive 50.74%, while Windows 10 settled at 43.09%.
Amidst this transition, Windows 7, which debuted in 2009, has experienced a noteworthy revival. After a prolonged period of stagnation, its market share surged from 2.02% in July to 3.59% in August, ultimately reaching 5.2% in September. This represents a staggering growth of over 100% in just a couple of months.
While a 5.2% market share may seem modest in comparison to its more modern counterparts, the trend is significant, particularly given the hesitance some users exhibit towards upgrading. It’s essential to clarify that this increase does not necessarily reflect a conscious decision to “downgrade” from Windows 10 to Windows 7. Instead, it highlights a complex interplay of user preferences and technological adaptability.
Despite Microsoft officially ending support for Windows 7 in January 2020, the recent uptick in its usage is noteworthy. However, caution is warranted when interpreting these figures as a long-term trend. The surge may be influenced by the methodology employed by StatCounter, which relies on tracking code data from over 1.5 billion websites globally. Therefore, the increase in Windows 7’s market share could stem from enhanced detection of devices running this older operating system rather than a genuine rise in its user base.
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