Windows 11 surpasses Windows 10 usage

Windows 11 Surpasses Windows 10: The Tipping Point in OS Adoption

After almost four years of slow growth, Windows 11 has finally passed Windows 10 as the world's most-used desktop operating system. StatCounter's July 2025 data shows Windows 11 now holds 51.77% of the global Windows market share, beating Windows 10 at 45.02%. This milestone comes just months before Windows 10's mainstream support ends on October 14, 2025—a deadline Microsoft has been pushing hard to drive upgrades.

This article looks at why Windows 11 is rising, its competitive advantages, remaining challenges, and what this shift means for users and businesses. We'll also cover trending keywords like "Windows 11 market share 2025," "Windows 10 end of life," and "Copilot+ PC adoption," which have seen 200–300% search growth in recent months.

Key Drivers Behind Windows 11's Surge

1. End of Windows 10 Support

   • Microsoft's October 2025 deadline for ending security updates has pushed users to upgrade. Businesses especially are moving to avoid security risks.

   • Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10 cost $30/year per device, but only provide one extra year of coverage.

2. Hardware Refresh Cycles

   • The Copilot+ PC initiative, featuring NPU-powered AI tools, has encouraged upgrades. Devices like the Surface Pro 11 show off Windows 11's performance gains.

   • TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot requirements have forced users with older hardware to buy new PCs.

3. Performance and Security Improvements

   • Faster boot times, DirectStorage for gaming, and Pluton security chips appeal to gamers and businesses.

   • AI integrations (like Copilot and Studio Effects) are only available on Windows 11.

4. Enterprise Adoption Waves

   • Many businesses delayed upgrades due to compatibility testing but are now switching ahead of the support cutoff.

   • Canalys predicts 8.1% growth in U.S. commercial PC shipments in 2025, driven by Windows 11 adoption.

Windows 11 vs. Windows 10: A 2025 Comparison

Challenges and Criticisms

1. Hardware Limitations

   • About 40% of PCs still can't upgrade due to TPM 2.0 or CPU restrictions.

   • Workarounds (like registry edits) are unsupported and risk instability.

2. User Resistance

   • Many prefer Windows 10's familiar interface and criticize Windows 11's ads and bloatware.

   • Steam surveys show Windows 10 at 53.19% among gamers (June 2025), suggesting slower adoption in gaming communities.

3. Enterprise Hesitation

   • Some companies extended Windows 10 leases via ESU rather than overhaul systems.

Trending Keywords and Searches

• "Windows 11 vs. Windows 10 gaming" (+180% YoY)

• "How to bypass TPM 2.0" (controversial but rising)

• "Copilot+ PC features" (driven by AI hype)

• "Windows 10 end of life risks" (security concerns)

What's Next?

1. Post-October 2025 Decline for Windows 10

   • StatCounter predicts Windows 10's share could drop to around 30% by 2026, similar to Windows 7's decline after end-of-life.

2. AI and XR Integrations

   • Microsoft is testing Windows 11 AR features for HoloLens and Meta Quest.

3. Windows 12 Rumors

   • Leaks suggest a 2026 release focused on modular AI agents.

Key Takeaways

• Upgrade if possible: Windows 11 offers better security and AI tools, but check hardware compatibility.

• Businesses should plan migrations: The ESU program is a temporary fix, not a long-term solution.

• Windows 10 will still work but become increasingly risky.

Final Note: Windows 11's lead marks a new era for Microsoft, but its real test will be keeping users amid growing competition from macOS and Linux.