Windows 11 has become the most used desktop OS, nearly 4 years after its release

According to StatCounter, Windows 11 became the world's most popular desktop OS for the first time in July 2025, surpassing Windows 10 - 52% vs. 44.59%. This development comes against the backdrop of Windows 10's imminent end of support (EOL) date of 14 October 2025.

What's happening and why it matters

• Record-breaking step forward. Windows 11 took 52% of the market across all Windows versions, while Windows 10 took 44.6%. This is the first time in nearly four years since Windows 11 was released in October 2021.
• The reason is the end of support. Microsoft is actively incentivising users to switch by offering a year of free security updates for Windows 10 when you sign into your Microsoft Account and backup to OneDrive. Otherwise, you'll have to pay up or stay on an unsupported OS after October 2025.
• Tight requirements. Many PCs remain incompatible: minimum TPM 2.0 and modern processors. Because of this, only upgraded or new devices participated in the growth of Windows 11 share .
• Gamers identified the trend. Windows 11 became the first OS in terms of usage on Steam back in September last year, but the overall dominance came later.

What this means for users

Migration is a must. After 14 October 2025, Windows 10 will stop receiving patches. Users will be forced to upgrade or migrate to paid security options.

Support for older hardware is at risk. PC owners without TPM will either have to upgrade to Windows 11 or consider buying a new device.

Windows 11 era. Microsoft will continue to focus on Windows 11: stability, support for AI tools, and maintaining compatibility.

Alternatives remain. Users of older PCs or those simply unhappy with the system can opt for Linux, ChromeOS or even macOS.

Source: Stat Counter | Windows Central