Windows 10 Gains Popularity as Usage Share Increases While Windows 11 Declines

Impending Conclusion of Windows 10 Support

Next month marks a significant milestone for Microsoft as it officially concludes support for the home versions of its Windows 10 operating system. While users have the option to extend support for an additional year, business customers benefit from a three-year extension. The extent to which consumers will utilize this offer remains uncertain. This relatively straightforward extension is available at no additional cost to users who activate the backup function during the registration process. Furthermore, there exists a tool designed to facilitate the process using a local account with minimal user interaction.

The Rise of Windows 11

As Windows 10’s support wanes, its successor, Windows 11, continues to gain momentum. Notably, Windows 11 recently outpaced Windows 10 in Statcounter’s OS popularity rankings in July, marking its dominance in the market. The trend is predictable, given the decreasing usage of Windows 10 as users transition to Windows 11. This shift occurs either through device compatibility upgrades, bypassing compatibility restrictions, or acquiring new PCs altogether.

Unexpected Trends in Usage Statistics

In a surprising twist, Statcounter’s August 2025 statistics revealed a decline in Windows 11 usage, dropping four percentage points from 53% to 49%.Conversely, Windows 10 saw an uptick of three percentage points, rising to 45%.Surprisingly, even the outdated Windows 7 experienced a rise of 1.5 points, surpassing three percent usage.

Understanding User Behavior

This data raises questions about user behavior: Are individuals reverting to Windows 10? Have they downgraded their systems where feasible? While this possibility exists, it seems unlikely to be the primary reason behind this reversal. Statcounter’s data, drawn from billions of user visits each month, does not necessarily reflect the accurate market share of operating systems or browsers.

Plausible Explanations for Usage Fluctuations

It is also plausible that the monthly calculations could have been skewed. Insights may come to light in the following weeks, with potential shifts indicating another rise for Windows 11 and a corresponding decline for Windows 10.

The Future of Windows 10

Despite a small fraction of users likely opting for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, Windows 10’s user share is expected to dwindle in the coming months. Many individuals will transition to Windows 11 or invest in new hardware altogether. Additionally, some may even explore alternatives like Linux.