Windows 11 Becomes the Most Installed Desktop OS Globally
Windows 11 has overtaken Windows 10 as the most widely installed desktop operating system worldwide, according to recent data. Since its release at the end of 2021, Windows 11 has steadily increased its market share, finally surpassing Windows 10 with over 52% of desktop users now running the latest OS.
Market Share Data Reveals Windows 11’s Ascendancy Over Windows 10
StatCounter’s global desktop OS usage statistics indicate that Windows 11 now commands 52% of the market, while Windows 10 remains on approximately 44.59% of machines. This milestone occurs shortly after Microsoft extended free security updates for Windows 10 for an additional year, signaling the approaching transition in desktop OS dominance.
Windows 11 Emerges as the Top Choice for Gamers According to Steam Survey
Steam’s June 2025 hardware survey highlights Windows 11 as the preferred gaming platform, with 59.84% of Steam users operating on the OS. This figure marks a significant rise from the previous year’s 46%, despite some gamers still favoring Windows 10 for performance reasons.
Factors Driving Windows 11 Adoption and Its Gaming Popularity
The impending end of Windows 10 support, scheduled for October 14, 2025, has accelerated user migration to Windows 11. Additionally, Windows 11 integrates advanced Copilot AI features enhancing user experience. Improvements in hardware compatibility, such as the easing of TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot requirements with newer devices, have further facilitated this transition.
Windows 10’s End of Life Spurs Further Windows 11 Growth
With Microsoft announcing the conclusion of Windows 10’s lifecycle later this year, the shift toward Windows 11 is expected to intensify. Despite the offer of an extra year of security updates, the user base is projected to continue moving toward Windows 11, consolidating its position as the dominant desktop operating system.