Windows 11 Increases Market Share by 2% as Users Shift from Windows 10 Before End-of-Support

Windows 11 Market Share Growth Amid Windows 10 End-of-Support Announcement

As discussions heat up surrounding operating system transitions, Windows 11 has experienced a noteworthy rise in market share, climbing by nearly 2.53%. This shift comes as users prepare for the impending end-of-support for Windows 10, which is set to occur on October 14, 2025. Post this date, users will face the decision to either upgrade to Windows 11 or incur a fee of $30 for extended security updates. Trend analysis indicates that a significant number are gravitating towards the former option.

StatCounter, a renowned analytics platform, has reported the ongoing decline of Windows 10’s market share, dropping from approximately 62.7% in December 2024 to 60.3% by January 2025. In contrast, Windows 11 saw an ascent from 34.1% to 36.7%.

Other operating systems like Windows 7 saw a slight decline from 2.4% to 2.2%, while Windows 8.1 remained stable. Interestingly, Windows XP experienced a minor uptick from 0.24% to 0.27%. Overall, the observed shifts point to a clear migration trend from Windows 10 to Windows 11, although the accuracy of these statistics occasionally raises questions.

Evaluating Market Share Accuracy

While it is reasonable to consider the potential for inaccuracies in StatCounter‘s data, a growth of 2.53% is substantial enough to back claims of genuine market share shifts. With an estimated growth rate between 1.5-2% in January, the trend appears to hold firm, suggesting a continuous increase in Windows 11 adoption.

Responses from small business owners highlight the urgency of this transition.“After extensive testing, we believe now is the prime time to migrate our PCs to Windows 11, ” stated an IT administrator overseeing over 1, 500 devices.

Comparative Market Share Data

To provide a clearer perspective on the evolution of market share among various Windows versions, refer to the following table:

Windows Version	Dec 2024 (%)	Jan 2025 (%)	Change (p.p.)
Windows 10	62.70	60.33	-2.37
Windows 11	34.12	36.65	+2.53
Windows 7	2.41	2.24	-0.17
Windows 8.1	0.30	0.30	0
Windows XP	0.24	0.27	+0.03
Windows 8	0.18	0.16	-0.02
Other	0.05	0.05	0

Implications of Windows 10 End-of-Support

With the end of support for Windows 10 on the horizon, users face a critical decision-making period. Remaining on Windows 10 post-October 2025 poses significant security risks due to vulnerabilities. Users opting for this route are greatly exposed to potential malware and other threats.

Conversely, transitioning to Windows 11 is a forward-thinking choice. Lead reports from Windows Latest reveal Windows 11 24H2 is available for direct upgrade from Windows 10, equipped with improved features and user experience—albeit with a few minor issues to consider.

For those reluctant to upgrade, Microsoft provides the option of purchasing Extended Security Updates (ESU) for $30, granting an additional year of security support.

Extended Support Overview

The following table summarizes the available support options and dates:

Category	Consumers	Enterprise	Education
Windows 10 End of Support (EOS)	October 14, 2025	October 14, 2025	October 14, 2025
Extended Security Updates (ESU)	Available for purchase; 1-year program for $30, starting closer to EOS date	Available via Volume Licensing; 3-year.$61 (Year 1), $122 (Year 2), $244 (Year 3)	Special pricing for education: $1 per license (Year 1), $2 (Year 2), $4 (Year 3)
ESU Activation Options	Details pending; likely straightforward through Microsoft’s channels.	Multiple activation methods including Microsoft Intune.	Cloud-based activation with support for education institutions.
Support Provided Under ESU	Security updates only, without feature additions.	Security updates only.	Security updates only.
Cloud-Based ESU Discounts	N/A	~25% discount via cloud management tools.	Discount opportunities for education sectors using Intune.

If you’re still utilizing Windows 10, are you contemplating an upgrade? If you’ve already made the switch to Windows 11, what aspects do you find less favorable? Share your thoughts in the comments below; we’re eager to pass feedback on to Microsoft.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if I continue using Windows 10 after the end-of-support date?

Continuing to use Windows 10 post-October 14, 2025, poses substantial security risks, as the operating system will not receive any updates, making it vulnerable to malware and other threats.

2. What are the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11?

Upgrading to Windows 11 provides enhanced security, a more modern user interface, improved performance, and access to new features. Additionally, with active support, you’ll receive regular updates and security patches.

3. Can I still access extended security updates after Windows 10 support ends?

Yes, Microsoft offers the option to purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU) for a fee, allowing you to receive security support for an additional year while you plan your upgrade strategy.

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