In the dynamic landscape of operating systems, Windows 10 continues to reign supreme, capturing a staggering 71.64% of the global Windows-based operating system market, according to StatCounter. In stark contrast, its successor, Windows 11, lags behind with a modest 23.61% market share.
This comprehensive analysis encompasses the entire spectrum of Microsoft Windows operating systems, spanning from the stalwart Windows 7, which commands 3.34% of the market, to the more recent Windows 8.1 at 0.61%, Windows 8 at 0.35%, and even the enduring Windows XP at 0.35%.
Despite Windows 11 securing its position as the second most popular Windows OS, its adoption rate trails significantly behind Windows 10’s meteoric rise. Two years post-launch, Windows 10 had amassed a remarkable 32.84% market share in 2015, a figure that overshadows Windows 11’s 23.61% over the equivalent period.
At present, over 1.4 billion active devices globally run either Windows 10 or Windows 11. The lukewarm reception of the latest Windows OS might be attributed to its revamped Start menu and taskbar, which, though innovative, left some users missing the familiarity of Windows 10’s interface. Additionally, the higher system requirements, including the need for a compatible TPM, posed challenges for users without this hardware component, although workarounds were available.
Windows 11 does introduce exciting features, such as Microsoft’s AI assistant Copilot, widgets, and comprehensive support for DirectStorage. However, some users find its taskbar lacking when compared to the robustness of its Windows 10 counterpart, missing elements like displaying the program name alongside the icon and customizable positioning on the screen.
Interestingly, in the realm of gaming, Windows 10 remains the preferred choice, capturing a significant 58% share according to the September Valve Hardware Survey. While Windows 11 commands a respectable 37%, it’s evident that the familiarity and reliability of Windows 10 continue to win the hearts of users, both casual and avid gamers alike. As the tech saga unfolds, it remains to be seen if Windows 11 can bridge this gap and emerge as the definitive choice for the digital generation.
