- Windows 11 exceeds Windows 10 in global user share for the first time in July 2025.
- The transition has required exceptional measures on the part of Microsoft in light of the end of support for Windows 10.
- Millions of PCs remain incompatible with Windows 11, posing serious upgrade challenges.
- safety and Artificial Intelligence stand out as key reasons to migrate to Windows 11.
The landscape of OS desktop has experienced a significant turnaround this month of July 2025, Windows 11 has managed to position itself as the most used system Within the Microsoft universe. For the first time, the latest version of the operating system reaches unprecedented levels and surpasses its predecessor, after several years of slow adoption and controversy.
According to the latest data from Statcounter and other analytics firms, Windows 11 has already surpassed Windows 10 in global user share, marking a turning point in Microsoft's strategy. It hasn't been a simple or quick path: the difference comes nearly four years after the official launch and just as the end of support for Windows 10 is approaching.
Windows 11 takes the lead: global figures and regional differences
The numbers speak for themselves. Windows 11 now has a 51% global market share. among all the teams under the Microsoft umbrella, while Windows 10 drops, standing at around 47%. tenths but they represent millions of devices worldwide. According to estimates derived from Statcounter data and Microsoft press releases, this translates to Windows 11 being present on around 728 million computers, while Windows 10 remains on around 655 million.
The situation is different depending on the region. In Spain and Europe, Windows 10 remains in the lead, surpassing 52% compared to 44% for Windows 11. On the contrary, United States and Asia have driven the overtaking, with Windows 11 shares around 55%. This shows that the transition is not homogeneous and there are still many areas where adoption is in progress.
Exceptional measures in anticipation of the end of support for Windows 10
Windows 11's rise to leadership has not been natural or easy. Microsoft has had to implement unprecedented measures to accelerate migration, given that Windows 10 mainstream support will end in October 2025. This is a delicate situation because millions of devices, especially in businesses and home environments, are still on Windows 10.
To address this challenge, For the first time, individual users will be allowed to pay for Extended Security Support (ESU)., an option that was traditionally only available to businesses. In addition, a new option has also been announced. free extended support option, although linked to the use of Windows Backup and a Microsoft account. This decision has caused some controversy, as it involves concessions to privacy in exchange for continued protection for another year.
El reasoning behind these measures It's simple: there are hundreds of millions of users who, for compatibility or preference reasons, haven't made the upgrade to the new version. With these policies, Microsoft seeks to ensure that no one is left completely unprotected during the transition process.
Compatibility and renewal: the other major obstacle in migration
One of the factors that has most slowed the adoption of Windows 11 has been its demanding compatibility policy hardwareAccording to various estimates, At least 400 million Windows 10 computers are not eligible for the update., forcing users to consider purchasing a new computer if they want to remain in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Security requirements, such as the chip TPM 2.0 and recent processors have left thousands of still-fully functional devices out of the loop. Sectors such as education, public administration, and small businesses are feeling the impact particularly strongly, pressuring Microsoft to relax Windows 11 requirements or expand support for Windows 10.
Reasons for change: security, AI, and the future of the platform
Microsoft has strongly defended the advantages of Windows 11 compared to its predecessor. Among its main arguments are a Enhanced security, performance improvements, a more modern interface and the integration of new features based on artificial intelligence. Tools such as Copilot and other exclusive experiences promise a different way of interacting with the computer, anticipating the arrival of “smart” PCs.
Beyond the functions, The end of Windows 10 support acts as a catalyst adoption. Without security updates or new features, the risks for users who don't migrate are evident. Therefore, the company is increasing its messages and campaigns encouraging people to prepare for the future.
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