Microsoft is in the middle of an unusual situation. One year after the closure of Windows 10, the operating system continues to add more users and the alternative that the company is proposing as a successor fails to captivate, reducing the number of people who are using it.
Since its launch in July 2015, Windows 10 has been a mainstay in the operating system market, proving to be robust, reliable, and widely adopted. But in recent years, the company has been aggressively pushing its successor, Windows 11, pitching it as the next big evolution in personal computing, with advanced features and a new aesthetic.
However, recent data indicates that enthusiasm for Windows 11 has not been as fervent as Microsoft had hoped, and the faithful Windows 10 continues to maintain a dominant position.
According to Statcounter reports, Windows 10 has seen an increase in its global market shareexceeding 70% for the first time since September 2023. Meanwhile, Windows 11 has seen a decline in adoption, dropping nearly a percentage point in recent months, stagnating at 23%.
These numbers paint a worrying scenario for Microsoft, whichIt has been betting heavily on Windows 11 as the future of personal computing.
The reasons why users resist migrating to Windows 11 and prefer to stay with Windows 10, even when the end of its life cycle is near, are several. From hardware compatibility issues to the perception that Windows 11 doesn’t offer enough significant improvements over its predecessor.
Additionally, controversial decisions by Microsoft, such as introducing ads in the start menu and discontinuing support for Android apps, have contributed to a lukewarm reception from users.
The fact that Windows 10 is gaining traction again presents a dilemma for Microsoft. On the one hand, it is a sign of the solidity and reliability of the operating system, as well as the loyalty of its user base. But, on the other hand, It hampers the company’s efforts to drive adoption of Windows 11 and move toward its vision of AI PCs.
A panorama that generates more pressure given the imminent end of W10, which is scheduled for October 2025. EThis means that the system will no longer receive security updates and improvements, leaving it potentially vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Therefore, the company needs to find a way to persuade users to transition to Windows 11 before it is too late and lose access to many of the functions they currently have.
One of the main barriers to the adoption of Windows 11 has been the perception that it requires more advanced and expensive hardware. The need to have TPM 2.0 modules and other specific hardware requirements has excluded many users who are unwilling or unable to upgrade their devices.
Microsoft should address this concern and work on improving Windows 11’s compatibility with a wider range of hardware to make it more accessible and attractive for Windows 10 users.
Additionally, the company must address concerns about the stability and performance of Windows 11 compared to its predecessor. While W11 introduces new features such as AI functions thanks to Copilotthe company must ensure that the system is smooth and reliable on a day-to-day basis to convince users that the upgrade is worth it.
On the other hand, in a small respite for Microsoft, Data from gaming platform Steam suggests Windows 11 is gaining some traction among PC gamers. Although Windows 10 remains the most used operating system among gamers, Windows 11 has seen an increase in its market share in this segment.
This could indicate increased interest in Windows 11 among a younger, more technologically informed audience, which could be a starting point for Microsoft to drive adoption of the operating system in other sectors.
