Tuesday, November 5th 2024

Windows 11 Gains 3% in OS Market Share, Windows 10 Remains on Top

The battles of operating systems continue, and one fight is internal to the Microsoft Windows user base. Recent data from StatCounter shows that Windows 11 now accounts for 35.58% of Windows installations as of October 2024, recording a modest 3% increase. Meanwhile, Windows 10 continues to power most Windows computers, with a 61% market share. The gradual shift toward Windows 11 comes as Microsoft pushes software updates and hardware partnerships. Large organizations have begun adopting the newer OS, drawn to its updated security features. These include mandatory secure boot protocols and improved protection against credential theft, addressing growing cybersecurity concerns. For individual users, Windows 11 offers updated gaming capabilities through DirectStorage and a redesigned interface. However, many still prefer Windows 10's established stability and broader compatibility with existing hardware and software. Microsoft's recent announcement of a $30 yearly Extended Security Updates subscription acknowledges this divide.

Starting in October 2025, when Windows 10's standard support ends, users can purchase these updates to maintain security protections. Unlike previous programs restricted to business customers, this subscription will be available to all users. The move to Windows 11 faces a significant hurdle: strict system requirements that exclude many older computers. While these standards aim to ensure better performance and security, they effectively prevent many current Windows 10 users from upgrading. Microsoft's plan to add new AI features like Recall and Copilot to Windows 11 could attract more users. Still, the transition largely depends on hardware replacement cycles and users' willingness to adapt to a new system. As Microsoft manages both operating systems, its strategy reflects the challenge of maintaining existing Windows 10 installations while encouraging gradual migration to Windows 11.
Sources: StatCounter, via Tom's Hardware
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56 Comments on Windows 11 Gains 3% in OS Market Share, Windows 10 Remains on Top

#1
_roman_
A "unreliable" source of information.

It seems only windows versions are read out

Or only semi false MACOS Versions
Or only Android versions

gs.statcounter.com/os-version-market-share/android/mobile-tablet/worldwide

What methodology is used to calculate Statcounter Global Stats?

Statcounter is a web analytics service. Our tracking code is installed on more than 1.5 million sites globally. These sites cover various activities and geographic locations. Every month, we record billions of page views to these sites. For each page view, we analyse the browser/operating system/screen resolution used and we establish if the page view is from a mobile device. For our search engine stats, we analyze every page view referred by a search engine. For our social media stats, we analyze every page view referred by a social media site. We summarize all this data to get our Global Stats information.

--

Apple are incorrectly reporting all macOS releases since Catalina 10.15 as Catalina 10.15. You can read more about it here.
We can't correctly show usage for Catalina 10.15, Big Sur 11, Monterey 12, Ventura 13 or Sonoma 14 until Apple fixes this.
How does browser plugins influence that data collection?

I think I had a browser plugin or feature where I set my webbrowser to ANDROID. Else Microsoft will not give you a download link for the microsoft windows image. You will only get the media creation tool when you are on windows.
Posted on Reply
#3
azrael
Microsoft's plan to add new AI features like Recall and Copilot to Windows 11 could attract more users.
I'm pretty sure you wanted to write "detract" there. If anything, these are things scaring users away. Well, on top of that miserable excuse for a UI and (still) slower performance than Windows 10. I want to say "you can't polish a turd", except you can.
Posted on Reply
#4
AusWolf
What about other OSes? Windows has just lost me by forcing Copilot on me and by constantly nagging me with an online account and upgrading to Windows 11.

I'm on Linux now, and couldn't be happier. :)
Posted on Reply
#5
csendesmark
_roman_It seems only windows versions are read out
Yes, that graph says this is about only the Desktop Windows PC-s
If you were listed all devices, it would be Linux ( maybe some Android) on top
Posted on Reply
#6
AusWolf
csendesmarkYes, that graph says this is about only the Desktop Windows PC-s
If you were listed all devices, it would be Linux ( maybe some Android) on top
I think knowing how other OSes do compared to Windows would be a lot more useful and interesting than knowing how many people ditched Windows 95 for something that actually runs on their new PCs.
Posted on Reply
#7
csendesmark
AusWolfI think knowing how other OSes do compared to Windows would be a lot more useful and interesting than knowing how many people ditched Windows 95 for something that actually runs on their new PCs.
Generally speaking I agree with you, but @AleksandarK's article about Windows specifically, since Win10 is almost at EOL, yet vastly more popular than Win11
Which Micro$oft as keen to bloat with spyware...
I don't even see why isn't W11 more popular :roll:
Posted on Reply
#8
AusWolf
csendesmarkGenerally speaking I agree with you, but @AleksandarK's article about Windows specifically, since Win10 is almost at EOL, yet vastly more popular than Win11
Which Micro$oft as keen to bloat with spyware...
I don't even see why isn't W11 more popular :roll:
True and true... Windows 10 would be a fine OS if it didn't start to mimic 11 in its behaviour recently.
Posted on Reply
#9
lexluthermiester
_roman_A "unreliable" source of information.
Well, feel free to post a better source.
Posted on Reply
#10
Random_User
AusWolfTrue and true... Windows 10 would be a fine OS if it didn't start to mimic 11 in its behaviour recently.
That's the trick. If both OSes become similar in their behavior, people would be "willing" to get a newer one instead. That's why the added telemetry to the later W7, was a argument thrown by W10 apologists.
Posted on Reply
#11
AusWolf
Random_UserThat's the trick. If both OSes become similar in their behavior, people would be "willing" to get a newer one instead. That's why the added telemetry to the later W7, was a argument thrown by W10 apologists.
Well, this tactic backfired with me completely, so good luck to Microsoft keeping the bullshit flowing. :toast:
Posted on Reply
#12
Darmok N Jalad
I would venture a guess that there are millions and millions of active PCs that can't upgrade to W11 because MS cut them off. We've seen it a few times before. Just because MS says a version of Windows is EOL, it doesn't mean people stop using it. Windows 10 is going to hang around like Windows XP and Windows 7 did. This time, it will probably be even worse, because those users have no upgrade path. What remains to be seen is what sort of messaging MS will apply to W10 at EOL, and how pervasive that will be.
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#13
AusWolf
Darmok N JaladI would venture a guess that there are millions and millions of active PCs that can't upgrade to W11 because MS cut them off. We've seen it a few times before. Just because MS says a version of Windows is EOL, it doesn't mean people stop using it. Windows 10 is going to hang around like Windows XP and Windows 7 did. This time, it will probably be even worse, because those users have no upgrade path. What remains to be seen is what sort of messaging MS will apply to W10 at EOL, and how pervasive that will be.
1. Windows 10 support is EOL. Windows 10 isn't. As long as you have it installed, or have the installer on a USB drive, you can keep using it until the end of times. ;)
2. I don't think people with no desire or money to upgrade their old PCs have any more desire to upgrade Windows to a new version on their old PCs.
Posted on Reply
#14
lexluthermiester
AusWolf1. Windows 10 support is EOL.
For the record, that doesn't happen until Oct 2025 and then extended support will continue for three more years for a fee.
Posted on Reply
#15
mtosev
The numbers for windows 11 show that the OS is becoming quite popular. I think Microsoft should be happy with the number of users win 11 has.
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#16
MacZ
mtosevThe numbers for windows 11 show that the OS is becoming quite popular. I think Microsoft should be happy with the number of users win 11 has.
Yes. I mean it's out since 3 years and W11 has just over 1/3 of PCs running Windows. Knowing that W11 is a free upgrade from W10.

And Microsoft just announcing that it will provide extended support for W10 just shows how Microsoft is confident in W11 continued success.

Seriously...
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#17
TheDeeGee
lexluthermiesterFor the record, that doesn't happen until Oct 2025 and then extended support will continue for three more years for a fee.
1 year for the average joe for $30.
Posted on Reply
#18
windwhirl
_roman_How does browser plugins influence that data collection?
I'd think it's irrelevant. The number of people that actually change the user agent would likely be few and far in between.
Posted on Reply
#19
phanbuey
windows 11 is so bloated its amazing
Posted on Reply
#20
windwhirl
phanbueywindows 11 is so bloated its amazing
Not really that much different from Windows 10 IMO.

Though, Windows users in general would really appreciate it if OEMs stopped bloating the laptops and prebuilts they sell. Who would use McAfee antivirus anyway?
Posted on Reply
#21
_roman_
lexluthermiesterWell, feel free to post a better source.
Point taken. When I see a statistics I want to know first the base for the numbers and how they are made.

I assumed it was the hole list of valid operating systems, including BSD variants, different linux based operating system and others.
If I understood it was only read out the webbrowser reported operating system when visiting certain unknown websites.
Posted on Reply
#22
phanbuey
windwhirlNot really that much different from Windows 10 IMO.

Though, Windows users in general would really appreciate it if OEMs stopped bloating the laptops and prebuilts they sell. Who would use McAfee antivirus anyway?
Huge performance drop on Win11 24H2 on 13900K vs Win10/Win11 21H2 | Overclock.net

I'm clocking 15% performance drop from early versions and W10 to the current version on the exact same system.

It feels like a system they keep adding stuff to without cleaning up the past tech debt - that's why we have 3 control panels that all do the same thing.


They're not even synced... it's a mess. Same system-- the old control panel only works on Balanced power plan otherwise those settings do nothing. Computer Management, GPO, Old Control Panel, New Control Panel, Tons of legacy and new services all running by default:

^ stock 11 24H2...
Posted on Reply
#23
csendesmark
lexluthermiesterFor the record, that doesn't happen until Oct 2025 and then extended support will continue for three more years for a fee.
Well, we all know the true EOL for W10 will be the time when Steam stops supporting it :laugh:
Posted on Reply
#24
mrnagant
Businesses will likely start moving in mass during 2025 to Win11. There is ESU, but it isn't cheap when you add everything up if you don't upgrade just because. Upgrading to Win11 from Win10 is no different than pushing an enablement package. Just have make sure the hardware is compatible and there is enough free disk space for the .old directory that is created.
Posted on Reply
#25
Darmok N Jalad
AusWolf1. Windows 10 support is EOL. Windows 10 isn't. As long as you have it installed, or have the installer on a USB drive, you can keep using it until the end of times. ;)
2. I don't think people with no desire or money to upgrade their old PCs have any more desire to upgrade Windows to a new version on their old PCs.
About 6 months ago, I was standing in line at Best Buy (I know, I know), listening in on a Geek Squad conversation with a customer. A lady had brought her wheezing PC in, and the tech was explaining how he could clean it up and also upgrade it to Windows 10. Basically, she made it through most of W10’s lifespan without ever even knowing it existed. I can’t imagine her experience is unique. My wife avoids updates like the plague.
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