Microsoft has been waiting for this moment for nearly four years—and now it’s here. Windows 11 has officially knocked Windows 10 off the top spot, becoming the most-used desktop operating system in the world.
After months of hints, fluctuations, and slow adoption, it finally happened. The latest data from StatCounter confirms the tipping point: Windows 11 has edged past its older sibling. And it didn’t take a massive PR push or a dramatic announcement—it took time, persistence, and, let’s be honest, a looming deadline.
The Long Reign of Windows 10 Ends
Windows 10 had one hell of a run. Launched back in 2015, it quickly became the dominant OS globally and stayed that way even after Windows 11 came out in late 2021.
For a while, it seemed like nothing could budge it.
People were skeptical of Windows 11. System requirements like TPM 2.0 annoyed users. The new design was divisive. And there just wasn’t a strong enough reason to switch for many. Microsoft nudged. Users shrugged.
But things started to shift earlier this year.
Then came July 2025. According to the StatCounter report published a few days ago, Windows 11 is now ahead of Windows 10—by a slim but growing margin. The change is global, too. Countries like the US and UK, which were slow to move, have finally tipped over.
Why Users Are Finally Moving
This wasn’t just a natural upgrade cycle. A few major reasons likely drove this shift, and none of them are particularly subtle.
First off, the end-of-support deadline for Windows 10 is just three months away: October 14, 2025. That date has been looming for a while, but now it’s starting to actually mean something for people and businesses.
Some folks didn’t wait around. They jumped ship earlier this year, perhaps driven by work mandates or just general anxiety about running an unsupported OS.
And then there’s new hardware.
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Most PCs sold in the last two years come with Windows 11 pre-installed
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Many older PCs that couldn’t meet the new requirements were replaced outright
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People who used upgrade tools like Rufus or Flyby11 pushed past TPM/CPU restrictions anyway
So, some users weren’t “upgrading” in the usual sense. They were buying something new—or forcing their way in.
StatCounter Data Paints a Clear Picture
Looking at StatCounter’s global OS market share data as of June 2025:
| Operating System | Global Share |
|---|---|
| Windows 11 | 36.01% |
| Windows 10 | 35.77% |
| Windows 7 | 2.67% |
| macOS (all) | 9.87% |
| Linux | 3.19% |
It’s not a landslide, but it’s significant. After trailing for nearly four years, Windows 11 has finally taken the lead.
That said, the total Windows market still stands strong at around 70%, a far cry from the days when people predicted Windows would lose dominance to macOS or Linux. It didn’t. Not even close.
Users Still Have Mixed Feelings
This shift doesn’t mean everyone is happy with Windows 11. Plenty of users still express frustration online—about everything from the Start menu design to forced updates.
The performance gains, while real in some areas, haven’t wowed everyone.
There’s also confusion around compatibility. Some users are still stuck with unsupported CPUs or motherboards that don’t meet TPM 2.0 requirements, even though the hardware works just fine for their daily tasks.
Others are frustrated by what feels like Microsoft pushing people into upgrades they didn’t ask for.
And yes, there are still Windows 7 and 8.1 diehards out there. Somehow.
Microsoft Finally Gets Its Way
Microsoft’s strategy with Windows 11 was clearly built around long-term adoption, not instant love.
They didn’t push it as hard as they could have. Instead, they let time—and deadlines—do the work. Over the years, Windows 11 got more stable, more compatible, and better integrated with newer hardware.
Meanwhile, Windows 10 started feeling old.
By slowly making life harder for Windows 10 users (subtly, of course), Microsoft nudged the herd. Security update extensions helped buy time, but only for those willing to pay or work around restrictions.
Now, with support ending in October, the dam has broken.
What Comes Next?
There’s still a lot that’s unclear. Will Windows 11 grow into a true successor that people love—or just the OS they tolerate?
The next few months will be key. Microsoft will likely ramp up its messaging, while businesses scramble to update systems before the October deadline.
Meanwhile, Windows 12 rumors are swirling already. Some insiders expect a major announcement before the end of 2025. If that happens, Windows 11 might not be at the top for long.
But for now, it’s enjoying its moment.
After nearly four years in second place, Windows 11 is finally #1.
