After four long years, Windows 11 has finally surpassed Windows 10 in global usage. When Microsoft first introduced Windows 11, the reception wasn’t exactly warm. The initial rollout faced numerous obstacles, including bugs, strange hardware requirements, and the TPM 2.0 chip-a security feature that many older PCs lacked. As a result, upgrading to Windows 11 often meant purchasing a new device.
Not exactly the smoothest start, right?
But fast forward to today, and things have shifted dramatically. Windows 11 is now the most-used version of Windows, overtaking Windows 10 in global market share. Recent data shows that 52% of Windows users have made the switch to Windows 11, while 44.59% are still using Windows 10. Just six months ago, this trend was reversed, with Windows 11 sitting at only 35% and Windows 10 at 62%
. So, what caused the sudden surge?
A significant factor was Microsoft announcing an official end-of-life date for Windows 10-October 2025. This prompted many users to make the jump to the newer operating system. Furthermore, Microsoft’s Windows Backup for Organizations tool made mass upgrades easier for businesses, streamlining the transition to Windows 11. For companies managing hundreds of machines, that was a game-changer.
But let’s be clear: just because people had to switch doesn’t mean they wanted to. Windows 11 is still a bit of a mixed bag. While it introduces cool new features like enhanced customization options and modern design elements, it also comes with a few annoyances. Take right-clicking, for instance. Sure, basic actions like copy-paste are still there, but everything feels hidden under extra layers. It’s like the new generation of cars with touchscreens-adjusting the A/C becomes a multi-step ordeal. Why fix something that wasn’t broken?
That said, Microsoft is pushing regular updates to improve the experience. A recent update fixed USB-C functionality on certified PCs, making these ports work as intended-charging, data transfer, and display, all without confusing port labels. Plus, Windows 11 is getting smarter with the addition of Copilot+ AI features, which could make the operating system more intuitive over time.
So, while Windows 11 has now overtaken Windows 10, it hasn’t exactly won everyone over. It got here not necessarily because people are thrilled with it, but because Microsoft left them with little choice. The big question now is whether those who upgraded will actually notice significant performance improvements down the road. Let’s hope the updates continue to roll out, improving the experience even further.
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