The gap between Windows 10 and Windows 11 continues to narrow, and Microsoft's flagship operating system is on track to finally surpass its predecessor by summer.

The latest figures from [1]Statcounter show the increase in Windows 11's market share accelerating, while Windows 10 declines.

Before Champagne corks start popping in Redmond, it is worth noting that Windows 10 still accounts for over half the market – 54.2 percent – and Windows 11 now accounts for 42.69 percent. However, if the current trends continue, Windows 10 should finally drop below the 50 percent mark next month and be surpassed by Windows 11 shortly after.

[2]

The cause is likely due to enterprises pushing the upgrade button rather than having to deal with extended support for Windows 10. Support for most Windows 10 versions ends on October 14, 2025, and Microsoft has shown no signs of deviating from its plan to retire the veteran operating system.

[3]

Windows 11 debuted in 2021, accompanied by an infamous [4]hardware compatibility list that prevented many computers that were perfectly happy running Windows 10 from being able to install Microsoft's latest and greatest. Users soon found workarounds, and some turned to alternatives, but four years on, much of the offending hardware – at least at an enterprise level – has either already been refreshed or soon will be. The new kit is Windows 11-capable.

[5]Windows 11 adoption picking up speed, but older sibling still ahead

[6]Remember it'll cost ya to keep the lights on for Windows 10

[7]Windows 11 stages a comeback – still miles behind older sibling

[8]Microsoft declares 2025 'the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh'

Whether users actually want the operating system is another matter. Windows 11 offers few compelling features that justify an upgrade and no killer application. The looming October 14 support cut-off date is likely to be the major driving factor behind the move to Windows 11.

Microsoft and its hardware partners are facing a similar problem with AI PCs. For many users, there remains no application that demands the new hardware. Hence, they are unlikely to upgrade before the next hardware refresh, regardless of how loudly the company promotes Copilot.

Despite Windows 11's accelerating market share and the narrowing gap between it and Windows 10, the figures show that, with only a few months remaining until Microsoft discontinues support, there are still many devices running the old operating system. ®

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[1] https://gs.statcounter.com/os-version-market-share/windows/desktop/worldwide

[2] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_software/oses&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=2&c=2Z_ACIK1OlDU_Amfm2JUn8wAAAJM&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D2%26raptor%3Dcondor%26pos%3Dtop%26test%3D0

[3] https://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?co=1&iu=/6978/reg_software/oses&sz=300x50%7C300x100%7C300x250%7C300x251%7C300x252%7C300x600%7C300x601&tile=4&c=44Z_ACIK1OlDU_Amfm2JUn8wAAAJM&t=ct%3Dns%26unitnum%3D4%26raptor%3Dfalcon%26pos%3Dmid%26test%3D0

[4] https://www.theregister.com/2021/10/05/windows_11/

[5] https://www.theregister.com/2025/03/03/windows_11_adoption/

[6] https://www.theregister.com/2025/02/05/windows_10_esu_program/

[7] https://www.theregister.com/2025/02/01/windows_11_statcounter/

[8] https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/06/microsoft_2025_windows_refresh/

[9] https://whitepapers.theregister.com/