It seemed impossible, but it is happening. Windows 11, the operating system that many users received with skepticism, is gradually winning the game to Windows 10 in markets such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany.
Statcounter data does not lie: In March 2025, Windows 11 reached 42.69% global share, while Windows 10 fell to 54.2%. But the really surprising thing is that in those three countries it is already the most used system.
There is no doubt that Microsoft must be celebrating this great and expected achievement in silence. When they announced that Windows 10 would stop having support in October 2025, many thought the Windows XP drama would be repeated, which remained installed in millions of PC years after its ‘official death’.
But the aggressive strategy of the company – constant recordations, exclusive functions for Windows 11 and even alarmist messages about security – is giving results.
Why is Windows 11 now winning the battle?
There are three main reasons behind this change in trend. The first is simple: time. Windows 11 has been in the market for almost four years, and users who bought new equipment in this period already brought it pre -installed. According to IDC, 78% of laptops sold in 2024 included Windows 11 factory.
The second reason is more controversial: Microsoft has put the carrot and stick. On the one hand, he has limited functions such as Copilot, which is his star assistant, only Windows 11. On the other, Windows 10 has flooded with notices of the style «Your PC is not safe without Windows 11». It is no accident that the facilities shoot 23% after the last campaign of ‘recommended update’.
And then there is the hardware factor. Modern processors, from Intel 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 6000, are optimized for Windows 11. Today, the same laptop with Windows 11 starts 18% faster and consumes 12% less battery than with Windows 10.
But be careful because like everything in life, there is always a dark side and no, not everything is pink. There are millions of perfectly functional computers who cannot update Windows 11 for requirements such as TPM 2.0. According to Lansweeper, 43% of companies of companies do not meet these requirements.
The funny thing is that, according to Yougov, 61% of users who resist updating recognize that «it is not so different» once they try it. For them, Microsoft only offers three options:
- Buy a new PC and, logically, the option they prefer in Redmond.
- Use Windows 10 without support, which is a safety risk.
- Jump to Linux, as some public administrations are doing.
On the other hand, and according to the latest data on the Steam platform, Windows 11 queen at will among users who love computer games.
Steam is the most popular PC games platform in the world and has just published its January hardware survey, where Windows 11 is the most popular version among all players.
What happens to those who stay in Windows 10?
Microsoft has confirmed that there will be no extension: the support ends on October 14, 2025. That means:
- Until that date: free security patches.
- After: only updates for companies that pay.
For foot users, the millions of normal users who use their PC personally, the official recommendation is clear: update or change equipment. Although there are tricks to install Windows 11 on incompatible PC, Microsoft warns that they will not guarantee its operation. Better or try.
The future beyond Windows: Is it time to try Linux?
If none of the above options convinces you, you can always consider making the leap to Linux. There are many easy -to -use Linux distributions and that can give new life to old computers.
Ubuntu, Linux Mint or Elementary are some more famous and known options if you are very beginner. These distributions are free, safe and have a large community of users willing to help newcomers.
Change Linux of course that many can be made to many and consider this as a great step that does not feel too much to give, but more and more users are considering it as a viable alternative to Windows. In addition to being free, Linux is usually less heavy and can make your old PC again have a second life and endure several more years.
Without going any further, This is something that many experts are already beginning to recommend and propose as the best option, taking into account that buying a new PC should be considered as the last bullet.
«We strongly communicate to all users who do not wait until October, but change to Windows 11 immediately or choose an alternative operating system if their device cannot be updated to the last Windows operating system. Otherwise, users are exposed to considerable safety risks and become vulnerable to dangerous cyber attacks and the loss of data,» says Thorsten Urbanski. ESET Germany.
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Tags: Updates, computers, operating systems, Windows 11, Windows 10