Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, is witnessing a notable surge in popularity. While it’s true that Windows 10 continues to dominate the market, with a significant share of around 62.79%, the adoption of Windows 11 has recently seen promising growth.
Statcounter’s September statistics reveal that Windows 11 now holds a market share of 33.37%, up from 30.83% in July.
This represents a substantial increase of over 2.5% in just two months, marking a turning point in the operating system’s acceptance among users.
Why is Windows 11 Gaining Ground?
The uptick in Windows 11 adoption can be attributed to several factors, the most significant being the impending End of Life (EOL) for Windows 10.
Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 10 will conclude in October 2025, creating a sense of urgency among users.
As the deadline approaches, many individuals who have been hesitant to upgrade are now considering making the jump to Windows 11.
This urgency is likely prompting users to venture into their computer’s BIOS settings to enable the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), a requirement for Windows 11’s enhanced security features.
For those unaware, TPM provides hardware-based security functions that are vital for the operating system’s performance and protection. The reality of the approaching support cut-off is compelling many users to prepare for the upgrade process.
Features Driving Adoption
Another reason for the increased popularity of Windows 11 is the continuous addition of new features and improvements since its initial release in October 2021.
Over the past three years, Microsoft has rolled out several updates to enhance user experience and functionality.
These enhancements include a redesigned interface, improved performance, and better gaming features, making the OS more appealing to a broader audience.
Gamers, in particular, have shown a growing preference for Windows 11. According to recent statistics from Steam, Windows 11 has now surpassed Windows 10 in popularity among gamers.
This shift highlights the operating system’s suitability for gaming, driven by features like DirectStorage and Auto HDR, which enhance gaming performance and visuals.
The Windows 7 Holdouts
Despite the growing adoption of Windows 11, Windows 7 remains surprisingly resilient, maintaining a user base of about 2.85%.
Many users of this older operating system are often in business environments where legacy software and applications are still in use.
Transitioning to a newer operating system can be complicated, particularly for businesses reliant on outdated software that may not function properly on modern systems.
These factors make it difficult for many companies to upgrade, resulting in a persistent base of Windows 7 users.
Some of these Windows 7 systems may even be kept offline to enhance security, further complicating the ability to track user statistics.
As companies slowly devise migration plans for their legacy systems, the remaining Windows 7 users are likely to face challenges in the coming years.
What Lies Ahead for Windows 11?
As we move toward the end of Windows 10 support, it’s expected that Windows 11 will continue to gain traction.
The release of AI-powered laptops featuring the Windows 11 operating system could also contribute to its adoption.
While it’s early to determine the full impact of these new devices, predictions suggest significant sales driven by innovations like Copilot+.
