A New Era: Windows 11 Officially Reigns as Most Used Desktop OS
After a steady climb, Windows 11 has finally surpassed Windows 10 to become the most widely used desktop operating system worldwide. This significant milestone, confirmed by StatCounter data for July 2025, marks a pivotal moment for Microsoft as its latest OS takes the lead in the global market share.
Windows 11, which first launched on October 5, 2021, introduced a fresh design, a revamped Start menu, performance enhancements, and new features like Android app support. Its journey to dominance wasn’t without hurdles; the stricter hardware requirements, particularly the need for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, initially slowed its adoption compared to previous Windows versions.
In contrast, Windows 10, released in July 2015, quickly became a user favorite due to its stability and familiar interface, consolidating its position as the leading desktop OS for nearly a decade. However, with Microsoft’s impending end-of-support date for Windows 10 Home and Pro editions on October 14, 2025, a growing number of users have been making the switch to Windows 11 to ensure continued security updates and access to the latest features.
The most recent data from StatCounter indicates that Windows 11 now commands over 40% of the desktop OS market share, successfully overtaking Windows 10, which now sits slightly below that figure. This momentum has been fueled by new PCs increasingly shipping with Windows 11 pre-installed, combined with users proactively upgrading ahead of Windows 10’s end-of-life.
This shift signifies a new chapter for Microsoft’s desktop ecosystem. It reflects the gradual acceptance of Windows 11’s modern interface and capabilities, as well as the industry’s progression towards newer hardware standards. For users and developers alike, Windows 11 is now the primary focus for future innovations and updates, solidifying its position as the current standard for computing.
