According to the latest data from StatCounter in July 2025, Windows 11 now holds a market share of approximately 50.2%, while Windows 10 has dropped to around 46.8%. This marks a significant milestone, as Windows 10 had dominated the desktop OS landscape since its release in 2015.
The shift comes after a gradual but accelerating adoption curve for Windows 11. While the new OS saw modest growth in its early years—rising from 18% in 2023 to 28% by the end of that year, and then to 36% in 2024—the real surge happened in 2025. This uptick is largely attributed to the impending end of mainstream support for Windows 10, which prompted many users and organizations to upgrade.
Windows 11’s rise reflects broader changes in user expectations and technology trends, including the push for enhanced security, built-in AI features, and support for remote and hybrid work environments. Microsoft’s decision to move beyond its earlier promise that Windows 10 would be the “last version of Windows” was driven by these evolving needs.
This transition not only marks the end of Windows 10’s long reign but also signals a new era for Microsoft’s desktop platform, with Windows 11 now powering the majority of PCs worldwide.
